GenUN Programming Supports the Mission of International Education Week

International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment.

Through a national network with over 50 university chapters, UNA-USA engages and energizes young supporters around the work of the United Nations. We do this by facilitating youth engagement, advocacy efforts, education programs, and public events for American youth. GenUN empowers a new generation of young Americans to be leaders in helping the UN build a better world for all. Students involved in GenUN learn to become global leaders for the Global Goals. They grow their resume and leadership skills while kick starting their career in international affairs. They engage in the work of the United Nations on global health, climate, security, education, and girls & women within the context of their local communities. As ambassador for UN issues, GenUN student leaders network across their campuses to get everyone on board with ensuring the success of the Sustainable Development Goals.

GenUN has expanded to over 20 campuses in 2016, and is an excellent example of how students can be leaders for globally-focused programming on college campuses. In the spirit of International Education Week, we recognize the important efforts of GenUN campuses in bringing global dialogue and exchange to their communities through programs like Adopt a Future, UN Day, and Human Rights Day.

The work of UNA-USA in promoting global thinking and cooperation also extends to middle school and high schools through the Global Classrooms initiatives. Global Classrooms is an innovative educational program that engages middle school and high school students in an exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. Global Classrooms cultivates literacy, life skills and the attitudes necessary for active citizenship.

Outside of education programs, adults and young professionals can engage in supporting the work of the UN through UNA-USA’s network of community chapters across the country.

The dates for International Education Week 2016 are November 14-18, 2016. Learn more about how you can celebrate.