UN Leadership Immersion
A Global Advocacy & Leadership Fellowship Experience
At UNGA Week | New York City | September 2026
Presented by
The Social Impact Firm’s Fiscally Sponsored Student Impact Initiative Program
Access Changes Trajectories. Proximity Creates Leaders.
Each year, global leaders gather during United Nations General Assembly Week to shape decisions that impact millions.
Yet most students—especially those with the potential to lead in global impact—are never in the room.
The UN Leadership Immersion exists to change that.
What Students Gain
Participants in this program:
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Engage directly with global leaders, practitioners, and ambassadors
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Gain real-world exposure to policy, advocacy, and systems change
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Build confidence navigating high-level professional environments
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Develop clear pathways into careers in global impact
This is not theoretical learning. It is direct access to how leadership and decision-making happen in real time.
Global challenges require leaders who understand systems, collaboration, and policy in practice—not just in theory.
However, access to these environments is limited.
Students without exposure to global convenings:
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Enter the workforce without critical context
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Lack access to networks that shape opportunity
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Are underrepresented in leadership pipelines
This program closes that gap by providing early access to global systems and decision-making spaces.
Why This Matters
Past Impact
Direct Access. Real Conversations. Lasting Impact.
Over the past two years, this program has brought university students into direct engagement with global leaders during UNGA Week.
Students have not only attended events—they have participated in conversations, asked questions, and built relationships in spaces typically out of reach.
“After meeting with representatives from UN Women and engaging directly with UN ambassadors, I gained a much clearer understanding of how policy is shaped, negotiated, and implemented. It bridged the gap between what I’ve studied and how global systems actually operate.”
— Graduate Student
“Conversations with UN ambassadors challenged me to think more critically about systems change. Hearing firsthand how different sectors collaborate at a global level reshaped how I approach problem-solving in my own work.”
— Program Participant
“This experience gave me clarity on where I want to focus my career. Engaging with leaders at the UN, particularly through discussions connected to UN Women, helped me see how my academic work can translate into real impact.”
— Graduate Student
Who Students Have Engaged With
Through curated meetings and convenings, students have engaged with:
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Mission Ambassadors from the African Union, Brazil, and others.
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NGO UN Ambassadors
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Leaders and representatives connected to the United Nations Foundation
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Cross-sector leaders in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and social impact
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Nonprofit and advocacy organizations participating in UNGA Week
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Practitioners working at the intersection of policy, global development, and community impact
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Delegates, advisors, and professionals engaged in international dialogue
These engagements are designed to be interactive, not observational.
Program Overview
The UN Leadership Immersion is a curated, high-level experience designed for a selective cohort of university students.
Participants, known as UN Fellows, will:
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Attend UNGA Week events and convenings across New York City
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Participate in private briefings with leaders across sectors
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Engage in leadership and advocacy training
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Take part in daily facilitated discussions and reflection
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Participate in Pre and Post-program virtual training sessions
Potential engagement includes organizations such as:
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United Nations Foundation
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GoFundMe
Program Moments
Impact on Students
Students leave the program with:
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Increased confidence in professional environments
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A deeper understanding of global systems and collaboration
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Expanded networks and access to opportunities
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Clearer direction in their academic and professional paths
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Expanded worldview and global perspective on social change
For many, this is their first time engaging directly with United Nations leaders shaping global conversations.
Location: New York City
Duration: 5 days
Timing: UNGA Week, September 2026
Program Details
Student Investment: $4,500
Includes:
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Flights
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Hotel accommodations
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Meals
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Transportation
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Program access and coordination
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Leadership and advocacy training
Who This Is For
The UN Leadership Immersion is designed for current university students preparing to step into careers in social impact, policy, and global leadership.
We are seeking:
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Juniors and Seniors currently enrolled in undergraduate programs
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Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees
Impact professionals working on global issues
Areas of Study
This program is best suited for students studying or interested in:
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Social Entrepreneurship
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Business for Good / Social Impact Business
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Public Policy
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Sustainability and Environmental Studies
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International Relations / Global Studies
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Nonprofit Management
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
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Related fields focused on systems change and community impact
Ideal Participants
Strong candidates are:
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Motivated to engage in real-world conversations beyond the classroom
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Interested in how systems, policy, and sectors intersect
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Exploring or committed to careers in social impact and leadership
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Ready to step into high-level environments and engage with professionals
Cohort Structure
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15 students selected per cohort
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Application-based selection process
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Participants are referred to as UN Fellows
Recognition and Engagement
Partners and donors receive:
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Recognition across program materials and communications
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Inclusion in post-program impact reporting
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Opportunities to engage with the cohort of UN Fellows
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Recognition at Social Impact Collective events in Los Angeles
Tax Deductibility
All contributions are tax-deductible through
The Social Impact Firm’s fiscally sponsored Student Impact Initiative program.
Invest in Access. Invest in Leadership.
The students who gain access today become the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Contact: Bree Jensen
bree@thesocialimpact.co
