NYU Shanghai Gains Observer Status at United Nations

The United Nations has officially recognized NYU Shanghai as an affiliated NGO with observer status. The designation, granted in late December, enables NYU Shanghai students, faculty, and other affiliates to attend open conferences, such as the UN General Assembly, and other UN meetings in New York. Currently, 1,500 NGOs around the world, such as the Red Cross and the International Olympic Committee, hold Observer status at the UN.

NYU Shanghai Students Zachary Young and Tim Wu (right) attend an inaugural briefing on sustainable communities

“The UN’s recognition of NYU Shanghai is massive and provides ample space for opportunity,” said Zachary Young ‘20, a political science major. “I am fully determined to give it my all on behalf of our young institution.” On January 24, Young and Tim Wu ‘20, who are both studying away in New York this year, attended the inaugural UN Civil Society briefing as Youth Representatives and stood to applause as NYU Shanghai was formally introduced to the body as the UN’s newest affiliate member.

“All of the UN’s sustainable development initiatives and projects in promoting peace, health, and education around the world are connected to programs and activities we have back at NYU Shanghai,” said Tim Wu ‘20, a data science and finance major who is planning to pursue a career in the public sector, social entrepreneurship, or promoting education equity. “It was truly an empowering experience to be at the United Nations.”

The students' view from their seats at the UN Civil Society briefing.

On January 24, Wu and Zachary Young ‘20 attended the inaugural UN Civil Society briefing as Youth Representatives, and stood to applause as NYU Shanghai was formally introduced to the body as the UN’s newest affiliate member.

Liu Hongxia, NYU Shanghai’s Representative to International Organizations, spearheaded the the University’s effort to gain affiliated status at the UN. “This special relationship is a commitment by NYU Shanghai to do our part to raise public awareness about the mission of the UN and other global issues, ” Liu said. “Our motto is ‘Make the World Your Major.’ Students now have an incredible opportunity to live up to that motto by engaging with the UN through internships and volunteering.”

Jeff Brez, Chief of NGO Relations in the UN’s Department of Global Communications, welcomed NYU Shanghai as the newest member of its network of universities, foundations, think tanks, and other non-profits. “I hope NYU Shanghai faculty and students will actively participate in and contribute to our monthly briefings in New York,” Brez said.

Justin Wang, Secretary-General of the NYU Shanghai Model UN Club also expressed excitement at this development. “Both I and Justin Zotos (the club’s vice president) will be in New York for our junior year, so we’re very eager to go to the UN and get more involved,” Wang said.