Program Brief Description
The United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP), exclusively customized for Chinese youth, is an academic training and research project jointly organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Great Bay Area Model United Nations (GBAMUN). Outstanding young people from various backgrounds will enter the United Nations, explore Geneva, and wander through Switzerland and France on a 12-day immersive educational and training journey. During this period, each project participant will also be matched with senior teaching assistants and mentors, providing full-time tracking and guidance for questions and project participation.
The UNYDP aims to build a bridge for dialogue between Chinese youth and the United Nations. In the context of deepening globalization, it allows Chinese youth to delve into international organizations such as the United Nations, to understand the organizational goals, institutional functions, working principles, and practical actions of the UN and its system. The program expands participants' "cognitive bandwidth" regarding international relations and diplomatic affairs. It assists in the development of young people's comprehensive abilities, helping them step into and integrate with the world, and to become versatile talents who can manage both efficiency and social responsibility in a cross-cultural background and environment.
The project will primarily take place at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva. The young participants will accompany UN officials on visits to several international organizations in Geneva, participate in a series of face-to-face lectures and workshops, engage in dialogues with current diplomats, discuss with UN experts, and dine together. Additionally, the participants will also have extensive cultural visits and scenic tours during their free time, including exploring the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), visiting museums, walking through the Alps, and touring Mont Blanc, Jungfrau, and the Matterhorn, among others.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion certified and issued by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Outstanding participants will also have the opportunity to receive recommendation letters signed by high-level officials. Moreover, exceptionally distinguished participants may also have the opportunity to secure internships at the United Nations.
Project Highlights
1. Enter the United Nations and Explore Geneva
The project will be mainly conducted at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) headquarters in Geneva. Young trainees will follow United Nations officials to visit multiple international organizations in Geneva, participate in a series of face-to-face lectures and workshops, talk to current diplomats, discuss and discuss with United Nations experts. Attend a formal United Nations dinner. At the same time, the project teaching method is both interesting and academic, and students will be able to complete the project through rich learning methods.
2. Building an International Social Network
The project features lectures by current officials from the United Nations and various international organizations, as well as top international university experts and scholars. They will impart knowledge, share experiences, interact, and provide in-depth guidance to the participants. During the project, each participant will have the opportunity to present personally in front of UN officials and experts. Through extensive interaction and self-presentation, participants will establish long-term communication channels with officials, preparing them for their future careers in an international work environment.
3. Observing Diplomatic Meetings and Conducting Negotiation Simulations
In the program, participants will have the opportunity to observe real United Nations meetings and engage in simulated diplomatic negotiations as national representatives under the guidance of UN experts. This experience allows participants to practice diplomatic meeting protocols, test their learning outcomes, and gain hands-on experience in conference diplomacy. Participants will follow procedural rules, articulate their views through speeches, and debate, negotiate, and lobby on behalf of the countries they represent. They will communicate and collaborate with representatives from other countries, mitigate conflicts, and attempt to effectively resolve international issues.
4. Strolling Through the Alps and Experiencing Natural Charms
During the program, young participants will also tour museums, major scientific installations, and historical buildings with their mentors, such as the Palais des Nations, the Red Cross Museum, and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). They will enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva as well. Additionally, the participants will visit regions of the Alps such as Mont Blanc, Jungfrau, and the Matterhorn, travel on century-old cogwheel trains, explore ancient glaciers, and admire the stunning lake and mountain scenery. Through experiencing diverse cultures and exploring natural landscapes, participants will gain a more tangible understanding of the United Nations' role on the international stage and appreciate the value of peace.
5. Exclusive United Nations Official Program
The UNYDP is a uniquely designed academic training and research program exclusively for Chinese youth, jointly crafted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Greater Bay Area Model United Nations (GBAMUN). This program, directly affiliated with the highest executive body under the United Nations General Assembly, is one-of-a-kind. UNITAR is fully responsible for the content delivery of the program, providing resources and support in various aspects such as the teaching platform, official assurance, process control, and content development, ensuring the quality and value of the program.
6. Enhancing Global Citizenship and International Leadership Skills
By participating in the UNYDP, participants will gain an understanding of the key components of the United Nations organization and its systems, comprehend the values and principles of the United Nations Charter, and enhance their core diplomatic skills in public speaking, negotiation, and leadership. They will recognize the importance of multilateral meetings in solving global issues, develop essential knowledge and skills for professional growth, and actively engage in building a more peaceful, inclusive, equal, and secure world.
7. High-Value Outcomes
1. Official Completion Certificate issued by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
2. Outstanding participants may have the opportunity to receive a Recommendation Letter signed by high-level officials.
3. Exceptionally distinguished participants may also have the chance to secure an internship within the United Nations system.
Introduction to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 and began operations in March 1965. It is the highest-level affairs executive agency directly under the United Nations General Assembly. It is mainly responsible for the two functions of training and research in the United Nations system, and has offices in Atlanta, Shanghai, There are training centers (CIFAL) in 16 regions around the world, including Madrid and Zurich.
UNITAR designs and conducts nearly 500 different training and knowledge-sharing events every year for approximately 50,000 beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds around the world, including diplomats, other government officials, non-official representatives, local authorities, young students and Other interested parties. Through international training and international conferences, UNITAR provides innovative learning programs to international talents, organizations and institutions engaged in multilateral and bilateral activities, thereby promoting global cooperation aimed at achieving the common development of all mankind.
Programme Overview
Basic Information
Project Main Focus
Focusing on sustainable development, elimination of inequality, inclusive education, environmental sanitation, urban transformation, public management and international politics, professional diplomacy training, negotiation training and leadership improvement
Suitable Audience
The program is ideal for individuals currently studying or planning to pursue careers in diplomacy, international relations, international trade, public administration, sociology, finance, business, foreign languages, human resources, philosophy, education, public health, and related fields or industries. It is particularly suited for those aspiring to work in diplomatic services or international organizations, become cross-cultural talents, engage in international affairs and global governance, or those passionate about education and public welfare—catering to both students and professionals.
Reference List of International Organizations for Visits and Educational Participation
United Nations Office at Geneva
(UNOG)
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Programme Schedule
Programme Outcome
1. Background Enhancement
2. Academic Enhancement
During the program, participants will conduct in-depth research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learning directly from United Nations experts about how the organization functions. Under the guidance of mentors and teaching assistants, they will engage in practical diplomatic simulations. This valuable academic experience can serve as supplementary material to enhance personal competitiveness in applications for further studies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of international relations and policy-making, benefiting their future academic and professional pursuits.
3. Skills & Knowledge Enhancement
Understanding of International Operations: Participants will gain a deep understanding of the internal workings of international organizations, forming a comprehensive framework of the United Nations and multilateral diplomacy.
Core Diplomatic Skills: Improvement of essential diplomatic skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and leadership.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhancement of cross-cultural communication abilities and professional knowledge, empowering participants to confidently and competently apply for internships within the United Nations system or excel in other international workplaces.
Expanding Cognitive Horizons: Broadening of cognitive boundaries to include top-level designs of human societies and the latest trends in various fields, providing insights into new patterns of future societal and industry developments. This broader perspective prepares participants to tackle complex global challenges effectively.
