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New Course at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, in Cooperation with PLxUN Association: Introduction to United Nations System: Theory and Practice

In the upcoming academic year 2026–2027, the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, in cooperation with PLxUN Association*, is launching a new course:

Introduction to United Nations System: Theory and Practice

The course will be led by Dr Anita Budziszewska from the Department of Diplomacy and International Institutions at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, in cooperation with experts from PLxUN Association*.

A significant part of the course programme consists of lectures prepared by UN experts and practitioners. The course aims to present elements of the practical functioning of the UN, including challenges related to the implementation of activities, programmes/projects, and to present the realities of working in UN country and regional offices. By presenting specific examples and practitioners’ perspectives, the course also aims to present career opportunities in the United Nations, while highlighting the broad range of global issues within the UN System. Each lecture prepared by a UN expert/practitioner combines an overview of selected issues and/or the specifics of selected UN Agencies’ activities, presenting key terminology, current challenges, and the nature of day-to-day work.

The course will be held at the University of Warsaw in on-site format (with the option to join via ZOOM) and will be offered to students of the Faculty and the University of Warsaw, as well as to universities belonging to the 4EU+ Alliance. Language of instruction: English

List of lecturers and course topics:

  • Opening Seminar – International Public Event
  • Dr Anita Budziszewska – Department of Diplomacy and International Institutions, WNPiSM, University of Warsaw, Department of Diplomacy and International Institutions, WNPiSM, University of Warsaw Lecture: Multilateralism in Transition: The UN System, Cross-Sector Governance, and New Global Order. Introduction to the course
    • Magda Janiszewska – International Projects Expert at Caritas Poland / Former UNDP Analyst, International Development Practitioner and MENA Region Specialist

    Lecture: The United Nations and NGOs: Structural, Operational, and Cultural Differences

    • Dr Jakub M. Milczarek – Senior Analytical Chemist, Centre for Chemistry and Technology, Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

    Lecture: From Treaty to Test Tube: How the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Verifies the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)?

    • Katarzyna Popiołek – Global Social Media Manager at United Nations Refugee Agency and the World Bank

    Lecture: Digital diplomacy and the power of online visibility: how social media shapes global politics and advocacy.

    • Łukasz Wyrowski – Economic Affairs, Sustainable Transport Division at United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Lecture: Why does the UN development agenda cover economic sectors such as transport?

    • Karol Karpiński – Senior Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank

    Lecture: Financing Development: Who Pays? Who Gets to Spend the Money?

    • Karol Zientek – Political Affairs Officer, Political Economy Unit, UNAMA – United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

    Lecture: From the Desk to the Dust: Navigating Political Affairs in Humanitarian Work

    • Aleksandra Lasota – Strategic Partnerships Advisor, UN/private sector

    Lecture: Business, Human Rights, and Corporate Accountability

    • Katarzyna Milobedzka-Huyton – International Humanitarian Director, PCPM – Polish Center for International Aid

    Lecture: Rights Based Approach to Humanitarian Assistance: Legal Underpinnings and Operational Aspects of Humanitarian Protection

    • Hanna Miśniakiewicz – Planning and Reporting Officer at UNICEF Refugee Response, Founder of YPS Coalition, UN Youth Delegate of Poland 24/25

    Lecture: Understanding the UN System from the Inside: Humanitarian Action, Youth Diplomacy and Pathways to Influence

    • Aleksandra Jurkiewicz – Legal Officer, UNHQ /Former Legal Officer with UN operations in Mali, Lebanon, and Colombia

    Lecture: Peacekeeping and peacebuilding – working in the UN field missions

    • Aneta Ostasz – IOM Senior Programme Associate

    Lecture: Best practices in community-based mental health, child protection, and gender-based violence humanitarian programming

    • Future of the UN: why multilateralism matters? Roundtable summary discussion (Anita Budziszewska plus PLxUN Association