Syria, migration and earthquake response – students see the inner workings of United Nations

Twenty students from the University of Northampton went behind the scenes of the United Nations headquarters during a recent trip to Geneva.

The third-year International Development and Economics undergraduates and MA International Relations students visited the UN HQ for a two-day information programme.

The visited started with a tour of the Palais de Nations, followed by a number of talks from representatives of different UN agencies, including a discussion of the TRIPS Agreement and the production of generic HIV drugs from UNCTAD; the coordination of the response to the earthquake in Nepal fromOCHA; challenges relating to the current Syrian crisis and the movement of people from IOM; and fighting child labour from the ILO.

Kevin Deane, Lecturer in International Development, said: “The trip provided our students with insights into how different UN agencies work, their mandates and roles, and also some important tips relating to future careers.

“We were impressed with the programme that the UN had arranged for us, and appreciated the opportunity for our students to find out more about this important global institution. The feedback from our students has been very positive, and we hope to make this an annual trip.”

The trip was organised by Kevin, Graham Wilkinson, International Development Programme Leader, with support from Helen Fox.