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 1,500 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.
Get the latest news from the Lehigh University-United Nations Partnership in our fall 2018 newsletter (pdf).
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.
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
Whitney Szmodis
Assistant Director, Office of Fellowship Advising and UN Programs
phone: (610) 758-4716 wes307@lehigh.eduAlternate Representatives to the UN
Lehigh University Youth Representatives to the UN
Sarita Mizin
Jessica Williams
News & Announcements
News
Lehigh Places First Intern at UN Geneva
Brian Letts fed his passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship as a graduate student enrolled in Lehigh’s Environmental Policy Design program - and now, he’ll be the first United Nations intern from Lehigh to serve in Geneva, Switzerland.
News
Recap: Lehigh hosts ILO’s ‘Future of Work’ conference
Lehigh hosted a conference entitled “An Equitable and Sustainable Future of Work” on April 11 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Labor Organization.
News
Lehigh to Host “Future of Work” Conference in April
The conference, in partnership with the International Labour Organization, will feature leading economists, scholars and public officials.
