Search results
UN Emerging Leaders e-Learning (Spring Edition 2026)
Geared to mid-level UN staff, this unique digital learning journey will help you refine your leadership and management abilities, enabling you to develop yourself and work better with others. By honing how you apply the key behaviours of the UN System Leadership Framework, this programme will also help position you to transition into increased leadership roles.
UN Emerging Leaders e-Learning (UNEL-e) builds upon the signature elements of the previous face-to-face United Nations (UN) Emerging Leaders experience and introduces new features to create a rich, lasting learning experience, that is:
- Driven by the leadership vision of the UN System Leadership Framework, which has been adopted by the Chief Executives Board (CEB) for all UN personnel regardless of their level, duties and location;
- Strongly anchored in a value-based leadership approach, and a leadership culture that is called for in the UN System Leadership Framework and applicable across mandates and areas of operation in the UN;
- Reflective of the changes in the UN system, enabling and inspiring transformational and behavioural change through a rich immersive learning experience;
- Integrated with content on managerial competencies, fundamentals of people management and emotional intelligence.
The programme will enable middle managers to tap into their leadership potential, and prepare them to approach transitions with courage, confidence and trust. By completing this programme, participants gain practical skills and benefit from a wider professional network to better lead and influence.
In 2023 UNEL-e celebrated its ten year anniversary - get familiarized with our key achievements over the last decade. Click here to read summary results and testimonials from the Spring 2025 edition and here to read spotlight interviews so you can learn more about the programme.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a common reference to a value-based leadership approach and be able to deliver on the UN’s mandates;
- Explore personal leadership styles, recognizing strengths to build on and what challenges to overcome;
- Apply mindsets and transformational leadership behaviours using the UN System Leadership Framework;
- Take specific actions to develop and sustain an effective relationship with their supervisor that supports both of them working at their best;
- Enhance their communication skills to build and sustain lasting relationships with team members and stakeholders;
- Act with increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence;
- Explore how unconscious bias, discrimination, social norms and identities impact relationships at work, and how they can, as UN leaders, foster an inclusive environment;
- Cultivate stronger connections by networking with UN colleagues working in various duty stations.
UNEL-e is an immersive virtual learning journey which makes use of mixed methodologies and formats as it combines asynchronous and synchronous activities through a unique skill-based online modular programme and a virtual face-to-face component.
The programme supports (1) knowledge acquisition, (2) knowledge application, and (3) personalization and knowledge transfer. UNEL-e seeks to promote and support the managerial and leadership culture transformation formalized in the UN System Leadership Framework, by strengthening participants’ capability to fulfil their roles as managers and leaders who can drive fast and efficient transformational change.
As part of the learning experience, participants also gain exposure to leading professionals and subject-matter experts in the field of leadership, access to UN specific knowledge, documents and experience, state-of-the-art resources from top universities and consulting firms, and knowledge resources from UN staff members who are UNSSC leadership and management alumni.
Weeks 1- 4
The first 4 weeks online give participants the opportunity to experience learner-centered design and scenario-based learning through a self-paced learning path from selected management and leadership modules. These are complemented by webinars, which consist of a weekly average of five to six hours.
Weeks 5-7
The final three weeks of virtual classroom training are designed to complement learning through practice, peer and instructor interaction, individual and group activities, as well as brainstorming and experience sharing that will take place in the virtual face-to-face format.
The average learning time per day is up to three hours plus 30-60 minutes of study time (depending on the day).
The programme consists of three mutually reinforcing building blocks:
1) The Online learning path will be focused on the following key selected modules:
- Orientation: webinar on 8 April 2026, 2-4 pm CEST*
- UN System Leadership Framework: webinar on 15 April 2026, 2-4 pm CEST*
- Leading through Communication: Webinar on 22 April 2026, 2-4 pm CEST*
- Managing Emotions: An Intro to Emotional Intelligence: webinar on 29 April 2026, 2-4 pm CEST*
- Managing Up: webinar on 6 May 2026, 2-4 pm CEST*
* Some modifications to the agenda and time schedule are possible. Find your local time zone: click here.
- The programme’s engaging online micro-content is designed to respond to the needs and challenges of managers and leaders across the UN system. The two-hour-long weekly webinars are delivered by renowned subject-matter experts from UNSSC’s academic network and across the UN system.
- Participants can expect consolidation of takeaways through reflective practices and social learning that facilitate information exchange, and peer-to-peer learning in a moderated forum.
- Each module is released weekly allowing for a structured approach to learning.
2) Virtual Classroom Training (up to three hours of online activities for real-time engagement per day, for a total of six days)
- Day 1, 12 May 2026: Leadership Styles and Influencing, Zoom Meeting from 2-5 pm CEST
- Day 2, 14 May 2026: Practicing Emotionally Intelligent Leadership, Zoom Meeting from 2-5 pm CEST
- Day 3, 19 May 2026: Leading for Motivation, Collaboration, and Engagement, Zoom Meeting from 2-5 pm CEST
- Day 4, 21 May 2026: Diversity and Inclusion – Key to Leadership, Zoom Meeting from 2-5 pm CEST
- Day 5, 26 May 2026: Communication, Storytelling and Public Speaking as Your Leadership Tools, Zoom Meeting from 2-5 pm CEST
- Day 6, 28 May 2026: Leadership journeys in the UN. Reaching our destination. Closing, Zoom Meeting from 2-5 pm CEST.
*Virtual breaks are factored into the live sessions of the virtual classroom training.
UN staff at P2, P3 , and P4 levels who are either new to the UN System or have never taken a leadership course before, as well as the national officers with managerial responsibilities, both at headquarters and in the field by nomination and open enrolment.
The programme fee of $3,000 covers:
- The four-week online learning path with micro-content designed to respond to the needs and challenges of middle-managers and leaders across the UN system accompanied by weekly webinars and a moderated forum;
- Six intensive days of virtual classroom training composed of:
- live sessions with leading experts/leaders;
- interactions between participants, instructors and peers;
- individual and group activities;
- takeaways and commitments;
- Unlimited access to the dedicated online learning platform with a curated resources repository (recording of webinars, virtual sessions, activities, readings, tools, videos related to the content of the programme, moderated forum, leadership challenge, etc.)
Certificates from the United Nations System Staff College will be awarded to participants who complete the course.
Testimonials
The UNEL-e course was a milestone in my career, providing an opportunity to pause and reflect on my behavior, performance, and leadership style. I listened to feedback from the 360-degree assessment, which was further supported by coaching sessions. The course is structured perfectly, combining self-learning, live webinars, interactive sessions, assignments, and group exercises, all with wide access to resources. This course has been a life-changer for me. Thank you to the excellent team; well done!.
Elie El Khoury, Technical Officer ATM, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Canada
This programme was a powerful opportunity for reflection and growth. Through the structured modules, live sessions, and coaching, I gained deeper insight into my leadership style and how to lead with greater emotional intelligence and purpose. The safe learning environment and diverse cohort encouraged meaningful dialogue and peer learning. I leave the programme with renewed confidence, practical leadership tools, and a stronger sense of direction in my professional journey.
Saltanat Salieva, Public Health Officer, World Health Organization (WHO), Kyrgyzstan
The UN Emerging Leaders course has been a great learning experience for me. It helped me understand, expect and navigate challenges with a stronger sense of purpose. Learning alongside such inspiring participants allowed me to see leadership through different eyes: each story, each reflection, each discussion added something valuable. What touched me most was realizing that we’re all facing similar uncertainties, yet willing to grow, support one another, and lead with empathy.
Prajwal Sharma, Head of Migration and Development Department, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Nepal
This leadership programme was truly transformative. It gave me the space to deeply reflect on the leader I am today, the leader I aspire to become, and the practical steps to bridge that gap. Each module was thoughtfully designed, tackling themes that are essential for both personal growth and professional excellence. Engaging with renowned leadership experts and exchanging experiences with a dynamic group of UN colleagues was invaluable. It was an enriching journey that ended too soon, and one I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone committed to leading with purpose and impact.
Caroline Majonga-Vere, Country Coordinator, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Zimbabwe
