Education, research, and innovation to accelerate sustainable development: IE University and UNSSC renew partnership

IE University and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) signed a new collaboration agreement, reaffirming their joint commitment to advancing sustainable development through education, research, and innovation.

The agreement, signed by Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University, and Jafar Javan, Director of UNSSC, focuses on the consolidation and delivery of a shared portfolio of educational programs, including the Bachelor in International Relations, the Master in International Development, and the recently launched Executive Master in International Development.

This partnership combines the strengths of both institutions. IE University brings academic excellence, a global perspective, and an innovative mindset to ensure high-quality transformative experiences. UNSSC enhances the programmes by providing in-depth knowledge of the United Nations (UN) system, offering sessions with UN professionals, visits to UN offices, capstone projects with a diversity of international entities, professional mentoring, and extracurricular activities. This enables students, including professionals working in the UN system, to dive into real-world practice and to support UN entities as they address specific research questions.

Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University, remarked, "Our renewed partnership with UNSSC underscores our commitment to providing top-tier educational programmes that address the most pressing global issues. Together, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow."

The two institutions co-designed the Executive Master in International Development for professionals from the UN system and beyond. The programme aims to enhance key skills and competencies in response to a changing multilateral system, tasked with addressing complex challenges that cross borders and require comprehensive solutions.

This new agreement builds on the achievements of the past seven years of collaboration while strengthening the recently renewed broader partnership between IE University and the UN Secretariat. In said agreement the Staff College represents the UN Secretariat in coordination with the Sustainable Development Unit in the Executive Office of the Secretary General in order to leverage innovation to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UNSSC Director, Jafar Javan, concluded, "By combining our expertise and resources, we are creating unique learning opportunities that will empower current and future professionals to drive sustainable development and make a positive impact worldwide."