IE University hosts the UN Learning & Development Conference 2024: Forging Learning Pathways to all Personnel working under the UN Flag
“It is important for us to be part of this discussion jointly with the UN in order to enable the organization to better deliver its goals, essential for the prosperity of academic institutions and the world.”“.
– Manuel Muñiz, Provost at IE University
Madrid, February 2024. IE University hosted recently the UN Secretariat Learning Conference 2024, which represented a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the academic institution and the United Nations. More than 50 experts from the United Nations’ Human Resources and Learning Development teams convened to delve into the challenges they’ve encountered on their learning journey, marking the culmination of months of collective effort and collaboration.
The conference was the result of intensive collaborative work with active participation from all stakeholders. Relevant topics covered during the conference included the strategic adaptation of learning in response to the pandemic and technological challenges, mainstreaming diversity and inclusion in learning, and enhancing the learning experience through collaboration and innovation.
The United Nations’ Learning Strategy was launched in 2021 with the support of UN Secretary-General António Guterres who underscored the strategic importance of continuous learning and professional development in an ever-changing world. At the time of the strategy launch, Guterres emphasized the need for a learning culture that promotes the acquisition of new skills and fosters personal and professional growth.
Zurab Elzarov, Chief of Learning, Leaderships and Management Development at UN Secretariat, explained that there is a need to come up with new areas of learning and development, particularly in AI. Miguel Mourato Gordo, Director, Global Strategy and Policy, Human Resources, at the UN Secretariat, highlighted the added value of partnerships like the one with IE University and emphasized the key role of the UN’s Learning and Development strategy and teams to ensure they inject the knowledge and opportunities to learn for all of the personnel who works under the UN flag. Their ultimate goal, he said, is to make sure they provide the workforce with the skills, the abilities and reap the opportunities to effectively deliver on their implementing mandates.
“We leave with enthusiasm. We know that there will always be challenges for the organization, but with a commitment to unite efforts and drive our programs forward.”
– Zurab Elzaroy, Chief of Learning, Leaderships and Management Development at UN Secretariat
Throughout the conference, Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University, provided insight into the new global order, discussed how exponential changes are reshaping the international landscape, and emphasized the urgent need for a new educational paradigm. The importance of soft skills development, lifelong learning promotion, and interdisciplinary collaboration in an increasingly complex world was highlighted.