Bethel Getiye Miherete at the United Nations Office in Geneva
54 students from 43 countries, selected from over 1,800 applicants, 30 speakers and panellists, and a two-week whirlwind of workshops, lectures and working groups on the topics of global peace and development.
These are just a few facts and figures about the 62nd United Nations Graduate Study Programme (GSP), which took place from 1 to 12 July under the title "Summit of the Future: Challenges and Opportunities". One of the participants was Bethel Getiye Miherete, a young student from Ethiopia who is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Law and Sustainable Development at the University of Milan.
The UN Graduate Study Programme is the longest-running educational initiative of the United Nations. Over its long history, the GSP has brought together thousands of highly-motivated students, providing them with training on some of the most crucial issues that the United Nations are called upon to tackle.
"Our schedule was packed with activities, lectures, group sessions, evening events, and even a tour of the UN Office at Geneva. Engaging with officials, diplomats and subject matter experts provided us with a deeper understanding of the UN's work and history," said Bethel Getiye Miherete. “The UN Graduate Study Programme is a unique platform for professional networking with participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds”.
Bethel Getiye Miherete with collegues at the United Nations Office in Geneva
The morning sessions covered a wide range of topics, all deeply intertwined with the current global challenges facing the United Nations: the evolution of multilateralism, international cooperation and the role of international institutions in addressing global challenges, nuclear weapon disarmament, global governance, youth inclusion, climate change and gender equality. In the afternoon, participants worked in groups on five key topics related to the Pact of the Future, which is to be discussed at the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York (20-23 September 2024). These topics were: financing sustainable development; best practices for peacekeeping missions; youth shaping the future of science, technology and education; translating youth energy into real change; transforming global governance.
"I had the privilege of contributing to the working group focused on The Best Practices of UN Political and Peacekeeping Missions through Gender, Youth, and Civil Society Inclusion", continued Bethel Getiye Miherete. Our group explored post-conflict environments, identifying strategies to enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of peacekeeping operations. We emphasised the importance of gender perspectives, empowering youth, and engaging civil society to build sustainable peace and foster resilient communities. We were able to present our group's findings to programme representatives, and our work culminated in a comprehensive policy brief."
"Participating in the UN Graduate Study Programme has been an extraordinary and transformative experience", concluded Miherete. “These two weeks have not only deepened my understanding of global governance and reinforced my commitment to peace and development, but have also helped me gain insights and connections which will undoubtedly shape my academic and professional pursuits in the years to come”.
Information on how to apply to the 63rd UN Graduate Study Programme will be published online in December 2024.
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