A Unique Opportunity
UN Spotlight offers a unique online Training Program allowing students a fully immersive virtual learning experience about the UN. Open to a wide range of ages and experiences, UN Spotlight brings the world of multilateral diplomacy directly to participants.
Through an efficient and customizable system of online events, classes, and interactive sessions, WFUNA focuses on relevant international issues with the help of experienced professionals from all over the world. The online format combined with WFUNA’s expertise and broad network offer a wide range of exclusive opportunities that students cannot access anywhere else. UN Spotlight provides delegates with hands-on training, practical knowledge and guidance on constructively and effectively participating with the UN.
- Online classes and interactive sessions
- Immersion into the core values of the UN
- Speakers from all over the world
Immersion into the core values of the UN
Partnering with universities and educational institutions, WFUNA offers a training and educational experience that promotes the effective participation of youth in the UN’s work through briefings with UN agencies, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. As a leader in the civil society community connected with the UN, we draw from our vast professional network to include a wide range of knowledgeable and experienced speakers to lead sessions during the training program.
Speakers from all over the World
UN Spotlight has had the privilege of hosting speakers from the UN Environment Programme, the UN Development Programme, UN Women, UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the World Food Programme, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and various Permanent Missions.
Thematic Areas
UN Spotlight will focus on different themes in international affairs and pillars of work of the UN.
- Multilateral Diplomacy
- United Nations History and Structure
- Peace and Security
- Sustainable Development
- Humanitarian Action
- Disaster Management
- Human Rights
Program Materials
View, download and share our program materials below.
Implementing Partner
In June 2020, Global UN Spotlight was launched in China, implemented with ThinkBank (UNTPOC).
Since then, 450 students have participated and graduated from the program, offering them the necessary tools to understand evolving global challenges and a unique perspective on critical international issues.
Since then, 450 students have participated and graduated from the program, offering them the necessary tools to understand evolving global challenges and a unique perspective on critical international issues.
FAQ
UN Spotlight brings the UN and the world of Multilateral Diplomacy directly to students. Study the most pressing issues on the international agenda and how you can contribute to shaping a more peaceful world.
What type of content will the training include?
UN Spotlight is specially designed for students seeking an immersive learning experience in multilateralism. Students are not required to have prior knowledge of subjects covered during the program. The 24-hours of online training across 4 weeks will reflect a diverse array of instructional methods to optimize student comprehension.
Each training will include:
- Lectures from 8 officers
- Interactive sessions
- Workshops with professional trainers
- Role play simulation of an intergovernmental conference
- Innovative quizzes
- Public speaking and presentations
- Independent research
- Drafting a policy proposal
- One-on-one assessments
- Professional development
- Networking
What will I learn from participating in training?
The primary purpose of UN Spotlight is to develop and reinforce practical skills and specialized knowledge in international affairs and multilateral diplomacy. Participants will enhance their ability to work effectively in cross-cultural contexts and foster the soft skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants should be able to:
- Empower students to tackle global challenges and critically engage with the work of the UN
- Gain a deeper understanding of multilateralism and the UN system
- Understand key international concepts and issues within broader frameworks
- Interpret and analyze complex ideas from multiple angles
- Conduct independent research & write a policy proposal on a Sustainable Development Goal
- Develop public speaking skills and present opinions, ideas, and work to an audience
- Improve professional and teamwork skills
- Obtain information on career building and working with international organizations
- Apply the core values of the UN in thinking globally and acting locally
Testimonials
My UN Spotlight experience was exciting and invaluable as I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about the UN and current global issues. I immensely enjoyed listening to the experts from all around the world, and the activities we did were so much fun, and instrumental to many aspects of my life.
Saruultuya O
Policy Management Student
Tokyo, Japan
The UN Spotlight experience allowed me to improve my understanding of human rights through the lens of the United Nations and to learn from my peers. What I value the most is that the program brought together curious minds and passionate hearts eager to spark positive change – for and by youth.
Seher Nihal C
Sustainability Strategist
Yangon, Myanmar
I found UN Spotlight very valuable and interesting. The content is relevant and structured as it is presented in well thought-out sessions. The Program will most certainly be helpful to my career as I further develop my skill set and experience in the demanding profession of international relations and global affairs.
Ted R
Consultant
New York, USA
Before UN Spotlight, the UN seemed far removed from my life and I felt uncertain about how I could do something as a global citizen. This well-designed program really narrowed the distance between me and the UN by making it possible for youth to engage directly with officials and interns, and it was easier to identify with their thoughts and passions through equal conversations than simply through reading documents and the news.
Brooke L
Student
Beijing, China
UN Spotlight taught me the importance of understanding issues in an interdisciplinary manner and how taking small steps towards becoming a global citizen can cause significant changes around us. Becoming a part of the UN and working with the UN no longer seems like an unachievable dream.
Achsa M.J.J
Law Student
Kerala, India
As a recent graduate of an international affairs program, I was eager to gain a deeper understanding of the UN and its structure. Not only did I finish the UN Spotlight program with this knowledge, but I was also able to hear from UN agents firsthand what it’s like to have a career within the various UN agencies. Making those professional connections has been a great inspiration for me while / continue my own job search!
Katherine H
Recent Graduate Student
New York, USA
I broadened my horizons by learning about the work and actions of various UN agencies and other international organizations. We had the chance to go through the procedure of Model UN, which was challenging but achievable for beginners. I also got useful suggestions for my future study and career, including information about Masters programs and internships. Last but not least, the program allowed me to communicate with senior officers of international organizations, as well as peers with a similar interest in international development, with whom I will keep in contact in the future. This program provides amazing outcomes and valuable experiences for students of international affairs.
Wanting Y
Student
Beijing, China
