The Worldview Institute
The Worldview Institute | Spring 2026
The Worldview Institute is a flagship, in-person seminar series of the United Nations Association of New York, now in its 19th year.
Worldview brings together a small, diverse group of professionals for candid, off-the-record conversations with senior practitioners working at the front lines of global affairs — from diplomacy and international justice to technology, media, and humanitarian action.
Held each spring in midtown Manhattan, the program emphasizes discussion rather than lectures, offering participants rare access to decision-makers and the opportunity to engage deeply with how global challenges are navigated in practice.
Worldview Spring 2026 | Overview
Dates: February 11 – April 15, 2026
Day & Time: Wednesdays
Dinner 6:30–7:00 p.m. | Seminar 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Location: Midtown Manhattan (venues announced as confirmed)
Graduation Dinner: Friday, April 17, 2026
Special Program: A private visit to the United Nations, followed by dinner and discussion at a nearby restaurant
Speakers for Worldview Spring 2026 Include:
Ian Phillips
Senior Editor, UN News & Strategic Communications
Dr. Emily Spratt
Cultural Heritage Specialist focusing on Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Vilas Dhar
President, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
UN Under-Secretary-General Vanessa Frazier
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
Richard Dicker
Former International Justice Director, Human Rights Watch
David Smolansky
Global Human Rights Advocate and Former Mayor of El Hatillo, Venezuela
Additional speakers to be announced
Program Themes
The Worldview Institute explores the major global challenges shaping international affairs today through informed discussion with practitioners, scholars, journalists, diplomats, and cultural figures. While topics vary each year, the seminars regularly engage with themes such as:
International peace and security
Human rights and humanitarian crises
Democracy, governance, and the rule of law
Global media, information, and public trust
Migration, displacement, and exile
Climate change and global sustainability
The role of culture, technology, and civil society in global affairs
The Worldview Institute is supported by participant fees and is designed to welcome philanthropic partners who share a commitment to thoughtful global dialogue and civic engagement.
Participants Reflect on the Worldview Institute Experience
Who is Worldview For?
Worldview is designed for professionals with a strong interest in international affairs who are seeking thoughtful, informed discussion beyond their day-to-day work.
Participants come from a wide range of fields, including diplomacy, NGOs, business, media, law, technology, academia, government, and the UN system. Cohorts typically include both early- and mid-career professionals, as well as more seasoned practitioners.
Since its founding in 2007, more than 500 participants have completed the Worldview Institute.
What’s Included
Worldview Institute Spring 2026 semester fees are: $695 for new participants, and $655 for returning alumni who have attended any previous Worldview semester.
Worldview Institute Participants at a Recent Session
The program fee includes:
Networking with senior global leaders and practitioners
A catered dinner at each seminar (11 dinners total)
A three-course graduation dinner with cocktail reception at the National Arts Club
An address by an invited keynote speaker at the graduation dinner
A certificate of completion (minimum attendance of eight sessions)
Seminar dinners hosted at national missions to the UN or other venues, offering informal opportunities to engage with presenters
A private visit to the United Nations, followed by dinner and discussion at a nearby restaurant
What Participants Say About Worldview
“The Worldview Institute provided valuable insight into global political and economic issues through direct engagement with practitioners and thought leaders, strengthening my perspective as a professional in international finance.”
Sohaib Naim
Vice President, Corporate & Investment Banking, BNP Paribas
“The Worldview Institute offers a rare opportunity for small-group, candid dialogue with senior UN leaders and global experts on issues shaping international affairs.”
Kristen Fallone
Strategy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Distinguished Worldview Institute Seminar Leaders Have Included
Amina J. Mohammed
Deputy Secretary-General United Nations
Ertharin Cousin
Former Executive Director World Food Programme
Jan Eliasson
Former Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
Kwame Anthony Appiah
Philosopher and Author
Sima Bahous
Executive Director
UN Women
Nicholas Kristof
Columnist
The New York Times
For nearly two decades, the Worldview Institute has advanced UNA-NYC’s mission by fostering informed global leadership through sustained, in-person dialogue. The program convenes senior United Nations officials, ambassadors, and leading thinkers with professionals from diverse sectors for candid discussions on international affairs and multilateral cooperation. This depth of engagement and access is a defining hallmark of the Worldview Institute and a core reason it continues to attract leaders shaping global policy and public discourse.
Registration
Registration for Spring 2026 will open soon.
In the meantime, individuals who wish to express interest may submit:
• A short bio or résumé/CV
• A brief statement of interest describing how they would benefit from the program
Materials may be sent by email (as text or PDF/Word attachment) to: Ann Nicol, Executive Director at: info@unanyc.org.
Applicants must be members of UNA-NYC. For information, visit our Membership page.
