UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UN and international organization leaders address students at 2016 Maxwell NYC Intercession

Two dozen lucky students participating in the Maxwell School’s January intercession course in New York City “UN Organizations: Managing for Change” got an up-close look at the inner workings of the United Nations organization through a series of speeches and lectures by current and former top officials—and a serendipitous invitation to attend a press briefing by current UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

This year’s program featured presentations by Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy Secretary General; Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, UNICEF (1995-2005); Amir Abdulla, Deputy Executive Director, World Food Program; Movses Abelian, Director, UN Security Council; and Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and others. 

The 7-day course is taught by Maxwell Professor of Practice Catherine Bertini, who previously served as UN under secretary-general for management (2003-05) and as executive director of the UN World Food Program (1992-2002). 

“The class was a wonderful opportunity to get immersed in the work of the Organization and learn from the best in the field,” said Camila Urbina, a Maxwell student who participated in the program. “A unique blend of theory and practice, it was a once in a lifetime experience to see international relations in action and to envision our place in its future."

Students also enjoyed connecting with Maxwell’s robust NYC professional network at a reception co-hosted by the office of alumni relations. 02/25/16