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.
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Worldview Spring 2026 | Overview
Dates: February 11 – April 15, 2026
Day & Time: Wednesdays
Dinner 6:30–7:00 p.m. | Seminar 7:00–9:00 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
Confirmed 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
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Program Themes
Worldview discussions explore how global issues are addressed in real-world settings, including:
Artificial intelligence, power, and global governance
Children and armed conflict
Cultural heritage, technology, and ethics
War crimes and international accountability
Democracy, displacement, and authoritarianism
Media, diplomacy, and global leadership
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.
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
Worldview Institute is sustained through participant fees and philanthropic support, allowing us to maintain the quality and continuity of the program.
What Participants Say
“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
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“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
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Some Distinguished Worldview Institute Seminar Leaders
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.
Amina J. Mohammed
Deputy Secretary-General of the
United Nations
Dr. Agnès Callamard
Secretary General
Amnesty International
Ambassador Riyad H. Mansour
Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations
Kwame Anthony Appiah
Professor of Philosophy and Law
New York University
Sima Bahous
Executive Director
UN Women
Nicholas Kristof
Journalist and
Political Commentator
Registration
Registration for Spring 2026 will open shortly.
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.
