A Unique Opportunity

Expanding its reach beyond physical trainings, WFUNA now offers a unique new 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

WFUNA’s Education Team is also excited to launch our new online program, the UN at a Glance Webinar Series. It is a 5-day program with 10 hours of content for $100. It will feature live lectures and presentations by diplomats, UN officials, field officers, experts, and civil society leaders from all over the world. Topics covered will range from multilateral diplomacy and human rights to peacekeeping and sustainable development. UN Spotlight provides delegates with hands-on training, practical knowledge and guidance on constructively and effectively participating with the UN.

Speakers from all over the World

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.

World map.

Speakers represent various UN duty stations:

  • New York City, USA
  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • Vienna, Austria
  • Nairobi, Kenya
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Seoul, South Korea

 

And levels and bodies of the UN system:

  • Officers from UN Headquarters
  • Diplomats
  • Experts from various UN agencies and funds
  • Leaders from Civil Society Organizations
  • Young professionals
  • Human Resources specialists

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
Various UN positions

Content & Highlights

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
Students on computers

Outcomes & Objectives

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

Implementing Partner

In June 2020, Global UN Spotlight was launched in China, implemented together 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.