At the invitation of the Secretary-General, the United Nations International School (UNIS) participated in the Secretary-General’s annual meeting with its UNIS Honorary Trustees on 4 June 2026 at United Nations Headquarters, bringing together Permanent Representatives and designated diplomats from approximately 20 Member States, alongside senior UN and UNIS leadership.
Honorary Trustees of UNIS are Permanent Representatives who are invited if they meet one or more of the following criteria: their Member State has ten or more students enrolled at UNIS, they are a parent of a UNIS student, or their Member State provides language sponsorship or financial contributions to the school.
The meeting was chaired by Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Chair of the UNIS Board of Trustees. Also in attendance were Earle Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet to the Secretary-General, and Lisa Buttenheim, Special Representative for UNIS. UNIS Executive Director Dan Brenner presented an overview of key achievements and current priorities of the school.
Dr. Brenner underscored UNIS's enduring commitment to the UN community, noting that the school makes every effort to admit UN-affiliated families. He highlighted a 95 per cent International Baccalaureate (IB) pass rate — well above the global average of 75 per cent — as evidence of both academic excellence and the school's inclusive ethos.
"We are a very inclusive school. Many of our students stay from Pre-K to 12th Grade," he said, reflecting UNIS's approach to supporting students from early childhood through graduation.
Permanent Representatives who are current or former UNIS parents spoke warmly of their first-hand experiences, praising the school’s strong academic preparation, supportive community, and vibrant arts and athletics programmes.
The Honorary Trustees serve as an important link in the close relationship connecting UNIS to the United Nations. Their presence as diplomats, parents, and advocates brings valuable cross-cultural perspectives to the school community, enriching the experience of students who learn alongside peers from around the world. Trustees were encouraged to further strengthen this engagement by visiting the school and participating in upcoming community events.
The Secretary-General closed the meeting, expressing pride in the school’s high quality and its vital role in supporting UN and diplomatic families, reaffirming that UNIS remains an important initiative in delivering high-quality education and promoting United Nations values.
