Summer is over at the MUN Institute, but we’re having a great time looking back at all of the amazing experiences that have made this summer so special. One of the best traditions at the MUN Institute is the annual tour of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Each year, students who are enrolled in our programs located at Columbia University get to visit the United Nations Headquarters, tour the main area of the building, and see exclusive, behind-the-scenes locations in the iconic skyscraper.
Our students get to experience a guided tour of the main halls of the United Nations, including the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chambers. Touring the United Nations is an important experience for Model UN delegates, since they simulate the discussions and negotiations that actually occur in the halls of the UN.
This year, our students were able to meet Brenden Varma, an education outreach officer at the United Nations and the former Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly. Having worked for the United Nations in Kosovo and Somalia, Mr. Varma has a wealth of knowledge about the United Nation’s work around the world, and what the mission of the organization means to people everywhere. Mr. Varma delivered a briefing for MUN Institute students and discussed his work with the United Nations and future opportunities for young leaders in the field of international diplomacy.
During their tour, students also were able to see numerous works of art of cultural significance throughout the UN Headquarters – click here to see highlights of the tour!