2026 UN Intensive Summer Seminar Shaping Global Leaders

The 2026 United Nations Intensive Summer Program will be held from June 8 to 12, near the UN Headquarters in New York City. Through a collaboration between Seton Hall University and the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), the one-week course provides participants with a genuine immersion in the dynamics of the United Nations by promoting a series of off-the-record conversations led by organizations’ practitioners and representatives of governments and civil society. Designed for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and mid-career professionals, the curriculum addresses multilateral diplomacy and United Nations agenda topics, including peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives, environment, human rights, refugees, women and children and UN perspectives for the future.

June 2025 marked the 26th anniversary of this program, which consisted of more than twenty briefing sessions, including an official visit to United Nations Headquarters. Led by Courtney Smith, Ph.D.,  Dean of the  School of Diplomacy and International Relations and Troy Wolfe, Senior Director for Partnerships & Special Initiatives at UNA-USA, the seminar brought the latest challenges to discussions, such as the protection of rights in the digital era, the use of artificial intelligence and the recent Pact for the Future adopted in 2024.

Participants had the opportunity to hear from, interact with and ask questions of officials from United Nations agencies, such as UN Women, UN Water, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Population Fund; representatives from the private sector, including one of the “big four” consulting firms, Deloitte and the multinational technology company Microsoft; and civil society initiatives connected to the UN system. High-level experts and permanent representatives were guests last year, including Ambassador Fergal Mythen, the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN; Ambassador Brian Wallace, the Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the UN; and Ms. Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications.

Dean Smith reflected on the diversity and engagement of participants coming from different places across the country and abroad. “All of them left with a deeper understanding of the UN and the important work it does to address some of the world’s most difficult problems.” Meanwhile, Mr. Wolfe highlighted the learning experience offered by the program, leading students to think critically and reimagine the future by proposing ideas outside the box and making meaningful contributions to the world. By the end of the week, students were able not only to develop a deeper understanding of the inner processes of the United Nations and gain an analytical perspective, but also to experience the excitement of engaging with practical challenges and envision themselves contributing to these efforts in the future as internationalists.

The program brings together a variety of interested professionals, from students aiming to better understand the UN and explore potential paths after graduate school, to established professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and expand their international networks. Through this opportunity, which is open to all, including students and mid-career professionals outside Seton Hall, a new generation of leaders aware of global challenges and equipped with a strong understanding of diplomacy and international political dynamics is formed.

The application period for the 2026 UN Intensive Seminar is now open, with a final deadline of April 1st. Those interested in joining the program can access detailed information and complete the application through the official website.

Categories: Nation and World