University of Surrey hosts a Prestigious International United Nations Event.

I was delighted to attend a prestigious event at the University of Surrey, attended by the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough. The University is one of only 32 International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders, called The CIFAL Global Network. These centres are co-ordinated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) each operating as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange, offering high impact training that brings together government officials, the private sector, academia and civil society to promote sustainable development and empowering local leaders to address global challenges. 

CIFAL Surrey was launched last year and already has had a significant impact under Founding Director, Amelia Hadfield, who also choreographed the day’s events. The new Vice Chancellor of the University, Stephen Jarvis,  addressed the conference together with Alexander Mejia, Head of CIFAL Global Network and Michelle Gyles-McDonnough.  There was an opportunity to tour the Institute for Sustainability and meet the CIFAL staff and students before enjoying a networking dinner.