© UNIC Washington / Sarah Peters | A Georgetown diplomacy study group from Indonesia at UNIC Washington.

 

Sarah Peters

Washington, DC, 15 July 2025 - The United Nations Information Center (UNIC) in Washington recently hosted outreach seminars featuring United Nations staffers in an effort to engage future generations. Through panel discussions and events, over 100 students and professionals gained exposure to the work of the United Nations and engaged with professionals from across the UN system.

 

On June 25th, students participating in the Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship* for Emerging Leaders visited the UNIC offices in Washington and engaged in a productive conversation with the Director of Washington's United Nations Information Center, Will Davis. Mr. Davis spoke about the many ways in which the UN makes a positive difference in everyday life such as through the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), both of which set global technical standards that facilitate international communications and air travel.

 

Mr. Davis highlighted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s work combating human trafficking in the Philippines with the goals of promoting human rights abroad and shielding citizens, including Americans, from cybercrimes.

 

On July 9th, the UNIC Washington office also hosted a group of high school students from around the world who were enrolled in a U.S. Foreign Policy course at George Washington University with Professor Mark Croatti, introducing them to the many career opportunities within the United Nations and the ways that they can support international work to help build a strong global future. In his presentation, Mr. Davis shed light on components of the United Nations that impact the daily lives of Americans including how the UN International Labor Organization (ILO) promotes fair and safe labor protections, how the UN Universal Postal Union (UPU) contributes to international shipping by facilitating mail and package delivery between countries and setting the rules for international postage, and how the ITU promotes international communication.

 

On July 10th, Mr. Davis, Senior Partnerships Officer of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Alistair Somerville, and Director of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Liaison Office for North America Jocelyn Brown Hall hosted a panel discussion for a visiting group of Indonesian students from the Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs (MDIA) program at Georgetown, during which they spotlighted the critical work of the United Nations in peacekeeping, protecting peace and security across the globe, and strengthening international relationships. Mr. Davis, Mr. Somerville, and Ms. Hall each described the role that their offices play within the broader mission of the UN, particularly how each office ensures that the work of the United Nations is well-understood by Washington policy-makers.

 

Overall, the outreach events in which the UNIC Washington office participated reached over 100 students and professionals. The outreach panels and discussions aim to inspire future generations who will continue the critical work of the UN by engaging in causes that they care deeply about and contributing to strong global ties and international cooperation.

 

* The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully-paid enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness of Foreign Service careers to students across the United States, taking place in Washington, DC, from Sunday, June 22 to Saturday, June 28.