Is the LU/UN Partnership a club on campus?
No. It is an officially accredited Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations. The Partnership works with all five colleges, program areas (MountainTop, Sustainability, etc.) and student organizations across campus.
What is an NGO?
An NGO is a non-governmental, non-profit, voluntary citizen’s group organized on a local, national or international level and officially recognized by the UN. An NGO bears the responsibility of disseminating information to its constituency regarding UN beliefs, practices and activities. In turn, NGOs provide a wealth of expertise that shapes and informs UN decision-making. As a UN-accredited NGO, Lehigh University has a unique access to the UN meetings, events, and connections.
What are the SDGs?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Does Lehigh have a Model UN?
No. We have the real deal UN accreditation. Anyone wishing to start a MUN should contact Bill Hunter, wdh3@lehigh.edu
I want to put the UN on my resume. How can I do that?
The LU/UN Partnership provides multiple opportunities for students to gain meaningful experience with the UN. Explore our Student Opportunities page to learn more.
Do you arrange internships at the UN?
All students interested in interning at the UN must go through the global recruitment process and a Lehigh review process. As a trusted partner of various UN offices, Lehigh enjoys the privilege of recommending outstanding students, as well as staying informed about upcoming internship opportunities. To date, Lehigh has placed 54 consecutive interns at the UN. For more information, contact Bill Hunter, wdh3@lehigh.edu
How do I become a Youth Representative?
LU/UN Youth Representative positions open up on a rolling basis. Sign up for the LU/UN Partnership Weekly Update to stay up to date on the upcoming opportunities.
I applied for a Youth Representative position but wasn’t selected. Why?
LU/UN Youth Representative Program is highly competitive and selective. We review each application carefully and recruit candidates who we consider the best fit for a specific position. We encourage you to continue engaging with the UN Partnership’s programming and reapply for future opportunities.
I am an incoming first-year student. How can I get involved right away?
Welcome to Lehigh - consider joining the GlobaLehigh PreLUsion program. If you are not able to attend, look for our table at the Fall Club Fair and an Open House announcement. Sign up for the LU/UN Partnership Weekly Update to stay up to date on the upcoming opportunities.
I am a graduate student. Are LU/UN Programs for me?
Yes. We encourage graduate students to attend trips to the UN and campus events, apply for the LU/UN Youth Representative positions, and consider interning at the UN. Sign up for the LU/UN Partnership Weekly Update to stay up to date
What’s the big deal with the 20th Anniversary?
In 2004, Lehigh became the 6th university in the world to gain Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status with the United Nations. In 2024, we will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary - Sign up for the LU/UN Partnership Weekly Update to stay up to date on the celebration!