NEWS

The Lehigh University Greening of the UN Missions team has certified the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York City at the highest level possible - Platinum. Following an initial site visit to the Canadian Mission, the six-member student team spent months reviewing data, providing recommendations, and liaising with the Canadian diplomats. The project culminated with a presentation at the Canadian Mission and involved a number of senior diplomats. A group of Lehigh journalism students also attended the celebration, following their day shadowing UN Foreign Correspondents and attending the Secretary-General’s daily briefing.

The presentation was led by John Roper ’25G, a graduate student in Environmental Studies and a Catastrophe Modeling Research Assistant, and Fernanda Sena ’27, an Environmental Engineering student at Lehigh. Their session detailed the process, resources, and certification timeline involved in the Greening of the UN Missions initiative, with a special focus on the Canadian Mission’s journey to achieving Platinum-level certification.

The event kicked off with an introduction to the certification program by UN Environment Programme Director Jamil Amhad. He noted that the program recognizes UN missions for their efforts to implement sustainable practices in their operations. This program includes multiple levels of certification, ranging from bronze to platinum, depending on the scope of sustainability practices integrated into the mission’s daily functions.

“We’re proud to deliver Canada’s Platinum certification. This recognition highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to both maintaining and expanding our environmental initiatives. Our goal is to continue to further promote, practice, and increase sustainability, not only inside the workplace but also in the communities we engage with,” Roper said. “We also encourage new Missions to consider participating in the Greening the UN Process, and we will continue to look for ways to enhance sustainability.”

The achievement was based on a comprehensive evaluation of existing and newly initiated environmental practices at the Canadian Mission, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement.

Sena elaborated on the certification levels and the significance of each tier in the certification process.

“The Greening of the UN Missions program is about creating a standard that encourages continuous improvement,” Sena said. “The certification isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s an ongoing process. Each level represents a deeper commitment to environmental responsibility.”

The event also served as a platform to discuss future goals and next steps for Canada’s Mission, as well as for other countries looking to get involved. Roper highlighted the importance of collaboration across nations to further drive global sustainability efforts.

“The certification serves as both a recognition and a starting point for continued work. We intend to help other UN missions along the way and share best practices to make a broader, global impact,” he said.

Other students involved in the Greening of the UN Missions team included Maia Hawkins-Litvin, Taylor Treonze, Oye Oloyede, and Samantha Anderson.

Following the presentation, students were invited to a reception where they had the chance to connect with senior officials from the United Nations Environment Programme, diplomats representing other Missions, and environmental professionals. The event offered a valuable opportunity for students to engage in dialogue about the role of diplomacy in promoting sustainable development and to explore the practicalities of implementing climate action strategies on a global scale.

Sydney Thompson ’27, a journalism student and a UN Youth Representative, reflected on the event, saying, “This was such an eye-opening experience for me. I was nervous at first, unsure of what the diplomatic environment would be like. But once we started engaging with everyone, it became clear how approachable and invested they were in what we had to offer. It made me proud to be part of a university that has such a strong partnership with the UN.”

Thompson also noted how impressed the diplomats were with Lehigh students' interest in sustainability. “It was great to see that they appreciated our curiosity and enthusiasm for these issues. It really made me realize how Lehigh is contributing to global conversations on sustainability.”

The event highlighted the growing role of universities like Lehigh in bridging the gap between education, policy, and action. It also reaffirmed Lehigh’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and sustainability leadership among its students. As part of the UN Youth Representative Program and other initiatives, Lehigh students continue to deepen their engagement with global efforts toward a more sustainable future.

Avery Folmar ’27, a journalism student, shared how the trip had a lasting impact on her perspective on journalism.

“For me, this trip to the UN was an absolute dream. I had never before seen journalistic practices so up-close, and the whole experience really made me realize how right journalism is for me,” Folmar said. “Getting to speak with Yvonne Murray, the current Global Security Reporter at RTÉ News, was probably my favorite part of the experience. I found her insight and advice so valuable, and I know I will carry the experience with me throughout the rest of my Lehigh years and my future career as a journalist.”

With sustainability at the forefront of international dialogue, the Lehigh community is proud to contribute to meaningful change and to support the UN's mission of fostering a healthier, more resilient planet.