In 2004, Lehigh University became the sixth university in the world to gain Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status with the United Nations.
This designation gives the university rare access to the world’s largest intergovernmental organization. Each year more than 1,000 Lehigh faculty, staff and students attend UN conferences, high-level briefings and private meetings with ambassadors and other UN officials in New York City and on campus.
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What is a UN 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.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Lehigh Students Speaks at the United Nations
Videos by Jordyn Pykon
Ramu Damodaran at Lehigh
Check out the video statement by the creator of the United Nations Academic Impact, upon his visit to Lehigh. Video by Jordyn Pykon
By the Numbers
The UN Connection
Visit the UN
Every semester, we take students and faculty to the UN headquarters in New York.
Hear from Global Leaders
High-level UN officials visit campus to speak with students.
Share Your Perspective
The UN Youth Representative Program connects Lehigh students with global NGOs.
Our Team
Representatives and Interns
Andrew Ward
Professor, Management and the Charlot and Dennis E. Singleton '66 Chair
Alternate Representative to the United Nations
Batoul Bazine
Assistant Videographer
Charlotte Brown
Digital Media Marketing and Brand Integrity Intern
Emma Closter
Lehigh University / United Nations Youth Representative - Health Focus
Timmy Dillard
Lehigh University / United Nations Communications Intern
Sam Ginn
Lehigh University / United Nations Partnership Intern
Trinity Keh
Assistant Digital Media Marketing and Brand Integrity Intern
Claire Kirshenbaum
Lehigh University / United Nations Youth Representative
Mackenzie Lynch
Podcast Development Intern
Jordyn Pykon
Videographer
News & Announcements
University News
UN Youth Representatives Speak for the Voiceless on the Global Stage
By Timmy Dillard, LU/UN Communications intern
Two Lehigh undergraduate students recently spoke at high-level events held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. As Youth Representatives, they represent two UN-accredited Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) - located in Nigeria and Armenia - serving as the only voice these organizations have at the UN.
University News
20 Lehigh Students to Present at the UN Commission on the Status of Women
By Timmy Dillard, LU/UN Communications Intern
Eighteen Lehigh UN Youth Representatives will amplify the voices of seven Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) by presenting at a major United Nations conference. The United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will hold its 67th annual two-week session in early March. For many Lehigh students in the UN Youth Representative Program, this is an opportunity to advance the missions of the partner NGOs they serve by providing a voice and representation at the UN and beyond.
University News
100 Lehigh Faculty, Staff, Students Attended the Intern'l Day of Women and Girls in Science
By Timmy Dillard, LU/UN Communications Intern
Two full busloads of primarily female STEM students recently attended the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The 8th Annual IDWGIS program featured presentations by women in science, including several from NASA, Ambassadors, and NGO Presidents from around the world.