The UNU Mentorship Programme has successfully concluded its first cohort, bringing together 19 mentors and 37 mentees from across 12 UNU institutes and centres. Running from September 2024 to March 2025, this pilot initiative was designed to foster professional growth, enhance networking and strengthen collaboration across the UNU system.
From its thoughtful matching process to dynamic monthly sessions, the programme created space for meaningful dialogue, learning and connection. Many participants exceeded the recommended number of meetings — a sign of deep engagement and mutual commitment.
Mentees commented how the programme had a powerful impact on their development, noting the value of having mentors from different UNU offices and emphasizing the mentorship's "valuable conversations, which helped to understand professional goals more clearly".
Mentors found the experience enriching and highlighted that it was "a privilege to accompany junior colleagues on their professional journeys".
The programme not only enabled individual growth but also contributed to a more connected and supportive organizational culture.
The next cohort will be announced in September 2025 and will begin the programme in January 2026. UNU personnel interested in taking part in the programme can learn more by visiting the UNU Mentorship Programme page on the UNU Intranet.