2024 UN Junior Ambassador Program Journey – East Coast Delegation Trip

One of the most exciting parts of our program was the East Coast Delegation, where we not only visited MIT but also had the honor of presenting our work to United Nations officials. This experience allowed our UN Junior Ambassadors to both learn from experts and share their own insights on how they can contribute to society.

At MIT, we met with experts across various domains. Gosha Geogdzhayev and Jonathan Lauderdale demonstrated how small organisms collected from the Hudson River play a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem, particularly life underwater. Dr. Paolo Giani and Dr. Arlene Fiore talked about how water evaporation and wind can dramatically alter temperatures, affecting our environment.

Dr. Flierl focused on ocean currents and dynamics, highlighting their impact on marine life. These invaluable lectures deepened our understanding of how different elements and processes influence climate change.

Leadership and Diplomacy

The UN Junior Ambassador Program emphasizes not only the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also leadership skills, which are vital for the students’ future roles. Each year, we arrange for students to meet with ambassadors, either at the United Nations or within their home countries. This year, we had the privilege of meeting Ambassador Munir Akram from Pakistan to the United Nations. Our students shared their findings and policy suggestions on how Pakistan could address its food shortage crisis.

A highlight of the trip was visiting the United Nations, where our students were honored to meet former economist Dr. Donald Lee. He shared his expertise on the economic factors that exacerbate climate change, including the challenges posed by space debris created by rapidly advancing technologies in developing countries. Dr. Lee’s insights underscored the complex interplay between economic development and environmental sustainability.