Learning with Leaders Podcast 

UNITAR’s CIFAL Global Network, through its Division for People, is proud to present Learning with Leaders—a podcast series that explores the stories and experiences of leaders from across the international field.

Designed to inspire, the series explores topics related to the guests' areas of expertise while uncovering the person behind the leader. Featuring international guests from UNITAR’s management team, representatives of international organizations, and advocates for the SDGs and sustainability, the podcast provides diverse insights and perspectives.

Available in audiovisual format, each episode can be found on all CIFAL Global Network social media platforms and on Spotify.

Episode 1: United Nations Assistant Secretary-General former Executive Director of UNITAR/ Nikhil Seth

Mr Nikhil Seth is the former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and the former Executive Director of UNITAR. 

In this episode, Mr Seth reveals key moments from his career and discusses his role as a founding architect of the 2030 Agenda. Mr Seth also shares his insights on what makes a great leader, along with valuable advice on how we can focus on self-improvement and much more. 

Join us, and welcome to Learning With Leaders!

Available on YouTube and Spotify:

🎙️ To listen on Spotify, visit: https://shorturl.at/xc21i
🔗 To watch on YouTube, follow: https://shorturl.at/3VxyV

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Episode 2: Leading with Purpose: People Division Director at UNITAR / Alex Mejía

A banker, diplomat, former Vice Minister, and now a career civil servant at the United Nations, Alex Mejía has held various leadership positions and currently serves as the Director of the Division for People and Social Inclusion at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Mr Mejia is also the Director of the CIFAL Global Network, which consists of 34 international training centers around the world. 

In this second episode of Learning With Leaders, Mr. Mejía shares the most important moments of his career and explains what it means to be a leader. 

Join us, and welcome to Learning With Leaders!

The second episode is available on YouTube and Spotify:

🎙️ To listen on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/f2pwp
🔗 To watch on our YouTube channel, visit here: https://shorturl.at/LfKB2

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Episode 3: Leading for Women´s Rights: Head of Human Rights and Development at UN Women / Ms. Adriana Quinones

Ms. Adriana Quiñones is a human rights advocate and international development leader who has dedicated her career to advancing gender equality and justice.   Head of Human Rights and Development at UN Women in Geneva, Adriana has played a key role in mainstreaming gender perspectives across resolutions within the Human Rights Council. She was UN Women Country Representative in Guatemala, launching the first women's economic empowerment coalition with over 90 key partners across sectors, and playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the Sepur Zarco sentence.  This case secured justice for survivors of sexual violence during the Guatemalan civil war—a ruling that developed the first comprehensive approach to femicide in Latin America.    Adriana’s career is a testament to the transformative power of leadership and her commitment to making a real impact on people's lives.

In this third episode, as Head of Human Rights and Development at UN Women in Geneva, Ms Quiñones offers thoughtful insights into her work, shares powerful experiences, and reflects on the challenges she continues to face in tackling gender-based violence and structural inequality.

The second episode is available on YouTube and Spotify:

🎙️ To listen on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/O7Prz

🔗 To watch on our YouTube channel, visit here: https://shorturl.at/sTL4L 

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Episode 4: UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director at UNITAR / Michelle Gyles-McDonnough

From Legal Adviser at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., to UN Assistant Secretary-General, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough has built a distinguished career in sustainable development and international cooperation. A seasoned leader within the UN system, she has also served as Director of the Sustainable Development Unit in New York, among other senior positions. In 2004, she led the Grenada Recovery Programme, coordinating response efforts after Hurricane Ivan devastated the island, a role that showcased her commitment to resilience and people-centred recovery. Her professional journey is a testament to leadership, dedication, and impact.

In this fourth episode, UNITAR’s Executive Director, Ms Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, reflects on her career path, sharing the inspirations that guided her and the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership.

The fourth episode is now available on YouTube:

🎙️ Listen on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/qzl2W 

🔗 To watch on our YouTube channel, visit here:  https://shorturl.at/1pSUV 

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UPCOMING EPISODES

  • H.E. Amb. Luis Gallegos (español): Former president of the Board of Trustees of UNITAR.
  • Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela: Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

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