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Start of the 64th United Nations Graduate Study Programme

This week, 65 students from across the world gathered in Geneva for the 64th edition of the United Nations Graduate Study Programme (GSP), the UN’s longest-running educational initiative. For more than six decades, the Programme has provided young people with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the work of the United Nations and the institutions that make up International Geneva.

Start of the 64th United Nations Graduate Study Programme
© EU Delegation, 2026

 

Being held from 29 June to 10 July 2026, this year’s Programme is dedicated to the theme “AI and Emerging Technologies: Realities, Risks and Opportunities.” Through lectures, discussions, institutional visits and group work, participants will explore how artificial intelligence and new technologies are transforming societies, economies and international relations, while examining the opportunities and risks they present for global governance.

The European Union is proud to once-again support the Graduate Study Programme and its mission of fostering greater understanding of the pressing issues of today’s society among young people. As a longstanding advocate of multilateralism, the EU believes that addressing today’s global challenges - from technological disruption and climate change to conflict and migration - requires dialogue, partnership and collective action.

Start of the 64th United Nations Graduate Study Programme

EU Delegation, 2026

This year also marks an important milestone in the EU’s engagement with the Programme. For the first time, the European Union funded four students as their Fellows, selected for their commitment to driving positive change in their communities and beyond. We are delighted to welcome Anusha from Nepal, Pamela from the Philippines, Jomana from Palestine and Manal from Morocco to Geneva!

To mark the start of the Programme, the EU Delegation hosted a reception for participants. Ambassador Deike Potzel welcomed the students to Geneva and shared reflections on the importance of international cooperation, youth engagement in addressing the questions resulting from emerging technologies.

“The challenge is not simply to promote AI adoption, but to ensure that AI development and deployment remain firmly anchored in human dignity, democratic values, and the rule of law.”  |  EU Ambassador Deike Potzel

Start of the 64th United Nations Graduate Study Programme

EU Delegation, 2026

Taking place around the ITU AI For Good Summit, the students have a unique opportunity to engage with experts and policymakers at the forefront of debates on the future of technology and global governance. As part of the Programme, participants also hear directly from experts and practitioners working on these issues.

In this context, the EU was pleased to contribute to the academic programme through the participation of Wiktor Staniecki, Deputy Head of Division for Global Communications and Public Diplomacy at the EEAS. He delivered a lecture on the EU’s approach to artificial intelligence, digital diplomacy and emerging technologies, highlighting the EU’s vision of a human-centric approach to AI: one that seeks to harness innovation while ensuring that technological development remains firmly anchored in human rights, democratic values and the rule of law.

Start of the 64th United Nations Graduate Study Programme

EU Delegation, 2026

The European Union is proud to support initiatives that empower young people to better understand international cooperation and contribute to shaping solutions to global challenges. We wish all participants a successful and inspiring Graduate Study Programme and look forward to seeing how the knowledge gained in Geneva will help them make a positive impact in their communities and around the world.