EU Delegation gives four scholarships for UN Summer School attendees
The Delegation of the European Union is pleased to support four outstanding fellows participating in this year’s United Nations Graduate Summer Programme in Geneva, taking place from 29 June to 10 July 2026 under the theme “AI and Emerging Technologies: Realities, Risks and Opportunities”. Bringing together young students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, the programme offers participants the opportunity to engage with multilateral diplomacy, international cooperation, and pressing global challenges at the heart of the UN system by sponsoring their scholarships.
Over the course of two weeks, our scholarship holders will take part in lectures, presentations, work in groups, and visit Geneva institutions, with the objective of gaining insights into the work of the United Nations and "International Geneva" in the rapidly evolving field of AI and new technologies.
These are our four fellows:
Anusha Simkhada
Anusha is from Nepal and is currently pursuing the European Joint Master’s in Social Work with Children and Youth, with a focus on child and youth well-being, intercultural practice, and digital social work. With a background in Development Studies from Kathmandu University, her work focuses on digital literacy, youth empowerment, and inclusive social development. Anusha has contributed to education and community development initiatives, supporting projects in digital safety, youth engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and community outreach. She has also led initiatives promoting digital inclusion for teachers and young people. Combining research with practical field experience, Anusha brings a strong commitment to youth participation, digital resilience, and social innovation to the UN Graduate Summer Programme.
Pamela Eyre Victoria Lira
Pamela is a Filipina geologist, writer and climate leader currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Degree in Digital Earth at the University of Salzburg & Palacky University of Olomouc, specializing in Geovisualization, and geo-communication. Pam has worked at the Philippine Climate Change Commission, contributing to climate communication, policy interpretation, and public engagement initiatives. Her interdisciplinary work bridges science, technology, and storytelling, including innovative projects that use digital cartography and immersive visualization to explore climate resilience and environmental futures. Pam brings a forward-looking perspective on climate governance, earth observation and science communication to the UN Graduate Summer Programme.
Jomana Abunahla
Jomana is a Palestinian student pursuing an MSc in Global Migration and Social Justice at the University of Glasgow. Coming from Gaza and shaped by direct experience of displacement, her work focuses on refugee rights, forced migration, humanitarian protection, and meaningful refugee participation. Through working with many international organizations, she has focused on centring the voices and agency of refugees and displaced communities, particularly in relation to women in conflict, refugee mental health, and the politics of protection. Drawing from both academic expertise and lived experience, Jomana brings a powerful perspective on migration, justice, and international solidarity to the UN Graduate Summer Programme.
Manal Bidar
Manal Bidar is a youth climate activist from Morocco with a decade of experience advancing climate action and youth engagement in sustainable development. As Vice President of the Water Youth Network she coordinates youth engagement in water governance and climate adaptation across Africa. She holds a Bachelor's in Political Science from Duke University and pursues dual Master's degrees in Environmental Management and Climate Change and Sustainable Territorial Development. Her work combines grassroots activism, policy advocacy, and global engagement to make climate, water, and development decision-making genuinely inclusive of young people and Global South voices.
The EU Delegation congratulates all of our four fellows on their selection and looks forward to following their contributions throughout the programme in Geneva. Their participation highlights the importance of empowering young leaders from around the globe and fostering inclusive dialogue on the global challenges shaping our commonly shared future.