United Nations Association Australia - Victorian Division (auspice: Australian Institute of International Affairs)

Scholarship for Emerging Leaders 2024 – Study Tour to the United Nations in Geneva

Scholarship for Emerging Leaders 2024 – Study Tour to the United Nations in Geneva

In 2018 and 2019, the UN Association of Australia began taking small groups of Australians (maximum 10) to experience a week’s immersion in the UN and its operations in New York and Geneva. In 2023, we relaunched the Study Tours by taking a small group to the UN in Geneva in October. In 2024, we ...

GOAL

$10,000

Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
06/01/2024 > 22/01/2025

Field of Interest

  • Civic engagement and leadership
  • Community and economic development

Target Population

  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
United Nations Association Australia - Victorian Division (auspice: Australian Institute of International Affairs) United Nations Association Australia - Victorian Division (auspice: Australian Institute of International Affairs)

The United Nations Association of Australia is a member of the World Federation of United Nation Associations (WFUNA), which is a global non-profit organisation representing and coordinating a membership of over 100 national United Nations Associations.

UN Associations are not funded by the United Nations, but WUFUNA has category one consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and consultative or liaison links with many other UN organisations and agencies. WUFUNA works to strengthen and improve the work of the United Nations by engaging global citizens.

UNAA Victoria’s mission is to bring the work of the United Nations to the community via our Global Education Program, our International Study Tours to the UN and our Engaging with the SDGs Program. All our funding occurs via these programs. One UN Study Tour participant said they would highly recommend the tour to anyone “with an interest in the values of the United Nations and a strong interest in learning what you can do to be a good global citizen of the world”.

For Australia, the UN represents an opportunity to engage on matters of global concern and develop constructive partnerships with countries with which we have no direct or strategic links. The UN is also the forum where international peace and security, sustainable development, self-determination, and humanitarian assistance are pursued. These are all important issues for Australia.

Project Summary

In 2018 and 2019, the UN Association of Australia began taking small groups of Australians (maximum 10) to experience a week’s immersion in the UN and its operations in New York and Geneva.

In 2023, we relaunched the Study Tours by taking a small group to the UN in Geneva in October. In 2024, we are seeking to prioritise this opportunity for future leaders who would otherwise not be able to afford these tours, ensuring a range of young Australians experience international relations first-hand and gain skills valuable for future leaders. 

UNAA has consultative one status with ECOSOC and thus the study tours offer unique access to the UN and its agencies, attracting immense interest from across a wide age range and all Australia states and territories.

Participants spend a week touring UN headquarters in either Geneva and meet with UN officials and representatives of such agencies as UNICEF, the World Trade Organisation, UN Department of Peacekeepers, UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Labour Organisation. Meetings are also held with organisations that link into the UN, such as the Australian Mission to the UN.

These tours include a mix of young professionals, tertiary students and older people, with participants describing the tour as a “life changing experience to see first-hand the workings of the United Nations and their role in supporting peace, wellbeing and human rights for all.”

Throughout its history, the UN has shaped society, advanced our common humanity, and demonstrated an ability to collaborate and develop solutions to the biggest challenges. The UN remains one of the most important organisations dedicated to international engagement and played a crucial role in keeping the world informed during the global crises.

Project Outcomes

Study Tour to the UN Scholarships
- Participation in a UN study tour provides young leaders with the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly inter-connected world and workplace
- These unique tours to the UN foster global citizenship to grow informed and responsible community members who value and celebrate cultural and linguistic differences and engage with others globally to make a difference in their communities and beyond
- Participants will gain an enhanced appreciation of the competing demands faced by leaders operating within the UN system and increase their knowledge of critical issues and their understanding of the interconnectedness of the global world

In 2019, two people took part in the tours as a result of the Peter McMullin Scholarships for Media Participation. Read the article of Geneva participant, Age journalist Bianca Hall here Geneva Study Tour Article – Bianca Hall. In 2019, one person also took part in the NYC tour as a result of a CPSU scholarship.

Each year, we are aware that there are many potential participants who cannot afford to take part in our tour. Facilitating the involvement of a diverse group of young people assists in developing future leaders from all sectors of society and all parts of Australia.
Your support would make such participation possible. We would be happy to work with you to determine the best focus for your support and the possible outcomes for your organisation pre and post the tour.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $77,500
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Tour participants (co-contributions) (confirmed) $60,000
Deakin University (confirmed) $7,500
Funding gap (unconfirmed) $10,000
EXPENSES
Expense item Amount
Accommodation $36,000
Tour leader remuneration $5,500
Tour coordinator wage (pre and post planning and during tour) $17,000
Meals and guided tours $1,000
Transport $1,000
Tour leader and coordinator airfares $7,000
Scholarship sponsored airfare $2,500
Scholarship sponsored tour place $7,500

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