On 6 February, as part of the Global Governance for Development specialisation, we travelled to Brussels to meet with representatives from several UN agencies. While Brussels is often seen as the centre of EU institutions and policymaking, we discovered that it is also home to a significant UN presence, fostering close cooperation between the two organisations.
The UN-EU Partnership in Action
One of the most surprising takeaways from our visit was learning about the strong partnership between the UN and the EU. The European Union is not just a donor—it plays a strategic role in shaping and supporting UN programs worldwide. As Georges van Montfort, Deputy Director for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), explained, the EU collaborates with the UN on a wide range of initiatives, from stabilisation efforts and local governance to policy development and international cooperation.
Communication as a Tool for Global Impact
Another key insight from our visit was the role of communication in advancing the UN’s mission. From informative SDG posters to unexpected collaborations—such as featuring the Smurfs in campaigns to promote sustainability—effective messaging is crucial in raising awareness and mobilising public support for global issues. In this area, the UN and the EU also work together, using public policy advocacy to advance shared priorities.
A Shifting Development Landscape
Our discussions also highlighted how international development and the UN system are evolving. Changing foreign policy priorities in the Global North are reshaping the way the UN operates, with developing countries increasingly becoming active contributors rather than just aid recipients. This shift is redefining the traditional donor-recipient model and highlighting the growing influence of emerging economies in shaping global governance.
Seeing the UN in Action
Before this visit, the UN often felt like an abstract institution, distant from real-world policymaking. Engaging with professionals from the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) brought its work to life. The UN is not only advocating for international cooperation but is actively shaping policies, coordinating responses, and implementing solutions to global challenges.
As Dr. Tatiana Skripka, co-coordinator of the Global Governance for Development specialisation, reflected:
“The study visit to UNRIC was an excellent opening to the specialisation. Valuable practitioner insights brought to life the theoretical knowledge about international institutions and multilateralism. The students learned about the important work the UN does in Europe and beyond. They heard first-hand accounts of the functioning of key UN agencies—OHCHR, OSRSG-CAAC, UNDP, and UNOPS—and the impactful projects they implement worldwide. This was a unique opportunity for the group to reflect, through the eyes of seasoned UN professionals, on the role international cooperation plays in the changing geopolitical environment. Perhaps the most essential lesson for the students has been to realise that global governance is shaped every day by committed individuals like themselves. A big thank you to our colleagues at UNRIC and esteemed speakers for engaging with the students so warmly!"
An Eye-Opening Experience
This visit provided a firsthand experience of the operational side of the UN for students in the Governance for Development specialisation. Engaging directly with five different UN agencies, we gained valuable insights into how the UN and the EU collaborate to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, and international stability.
