UNSSC expands its academic partnerships to strengthen UN system expertise | UNSSC

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is delighted to announce two new academic partnerships with the American University of Beirut and Austral University, as well as a project with five universities designed to enhance the UN’s ability to bring people together.

In line with the College’s mandate to enhance expertise and know-how across the UN system, our academic partnerships with renowned institutions provide learning and training that facilitate and trigger the abilities needed to effectively tackle 21st-century challenges and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dawy Zaher, Provost of American University of Beirut (AUB), stated “Through this partnership, we will work hand in hand to advance our shared vision of vibrant societies where education and knowledge translation play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development, citizen-leadership, and advocacy for social justice”

UNSSC acts as knowledge intermediary, giving access to the academic community to relevant UN development policies and programmes, bridging theory and practice. These partnerships create spaces for science-policy-society dialogue exploring the capabilities required to address today’s global threats and demands.

"It is characteristic of the university’s spirit, the openness, and cooperation with other university entities and institutions to develop joint projects in service to the national and international society,” said Alfonso Santiago, Director of the School of Politics, Government and International Relations at Austral University. “Synergies are created to enhance our capabilities. Together we are much more than two. I celebrate the signing of this very important agreement that opens up so many possibilities for collaborative work."

These two institutions join the nascent UNSSC’s academic network built around the Mandela Project for Social Change, developed in partnership with five universities: University of Cape Town (South Africa), National University of Singapore (Singapore), IE University (Spain) and the aforementioned American University of Beirut (Lebanon) and Austral University (Argentina). Anchored in Nelson Mandela’s leadership insights, this programme will convene thought leaders and change makers to reimagine ways to bring together communities and societies to strengthen capacities of decision makers, civil society and UN personnel, addressing divisive issues that risk driving societies apart.

UNSSC Director, Jafar Javan said, “UNSSC remains committed to being a pioneer in interagency learning, training, and knowledge management in the UN system. Our collaboration with renowned academic institutions enhances our credibility as a provider of relevant first-class content, ensuring that our teachings are solid and based on latest academic findings.”