UN Global Leadership & SDG Program — New York & Washington, D.C.

This intensive program immerses students in the heart of international diplomacy, sustainability, and leadership through expert-led sessions at the United Nations, an Ivy League university visit, and a U.S. think tank dialogue. Designed for aspiring global leaders, it strengthens both personal growth and academic profiles for future U.S. university applications.

Project Highlights

UN expert-led courses on global leadership, peace, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)‍
Participation in an official-style UN Speech Contest at UN Headquarters
Opportunity for strong recommendation letters from international mentors
Internship opportunities with UN-affiliated organizations for top performers
Invitation letter & completion certificate issued by a UN NGO
U.S. Think Tank dialogue with policy experts in Washington, D.C.
Ivy League university visit (Columbia University) for academic pathway planning
Networking with like-minded youth from around the world
U.S. cultural tours in New York City and Washington, D.C. to broaden horizons

Program Itinerary – At a Glance

New York – United Nations & Global Leadership

Day 1–2: UN Foundations & Headquarters Tour

Keynote by Dr. Linda J. Stillman (Global Youth Leadership Foundation)
- History, present, and future of the UN
- Introduction to the SDGs and global citizenship
Lunch discussion with Dr. Elizabeth K. Carll (Chair, Communications Coordination Committee for the UN)
Guided tour of United Nations Headquarters

Day 3: SDG Deep Dive & Columbia University

SDG case studies and personal research project design
Topic selection and research planning with mentor guidance
Campus visit to Columbia University (Ivy League)

Day 4: Leadership, Culture & the Arts

Sessions on culture and leadership and the entrepreneurial mindset
- With Dr. Linda J. Stillman & Dr. Maureen Mackenzie-Ruppel
Lunch with young leaders from the Global Youth Leadership Foundation
Visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s top museums

Day 5: UN Speech Contest

Morning: Group rehearsal and speech coaching with mentors
Afternoon: UN Headquarters Speech Contest & Award Ceremony

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Washington, D.C. – Policy & Think Tanks

Day 6: U.S. Capital City Tour

Transfer to Washington, D.C.
City tour: U.S. Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial (time permitting)

Day 7: Think Tank Dialogue & Farewell

Visits to: Library of Congress and Smithsonian Museums
Dialogue with U.S. think tank experts and UN PRME members on responsible leadership and education
Farewell dinner and closing reflections

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World-Class Mentors

Students learn directly from internationally recognized experts, including:

Dr. Linda J. Stillman – President, Global Youth Leadership Foundation; former UN Public Affairs Advisor; professor and lecturer at leading universities worldwide
Dr. Elizabeth K. Carll – Chair, Communications Coordination Committee for the United Nations; psychologist specializing in crisis, trauma, and media psychology
Dr. Maureen Mackenzie-Ruppel – Chair, Global Intergenerational Council; award-winning business leader and educator recognized among the “Top Most Influential Women in Business”
Lorraine C. Silvetz – Executive Director, Global Intergenerational Council; senior psychotherapist and founder of the Global Stress Initiative, focusing on veteran mental health