We Connect UN

We Connect UN – Bridging Leadership and Global Sustainability

We Connect UN is a transformative initiative by the We Grow Forest Foundation, dedicated to fostering leadership in sustainability, governance, and global impact. The program equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to tackle critical challenges like climate change, social inequality, and ethical leadership. The initiative consists of two flagship programs: Global Executive Leadership Programme (GELP) and UN Executive Leadership Programme (UNELP), both running annually from March to November in Geneva, Switzerland.

Participants engage directly with the United Nations (UN), learning about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The initiative’s tagline, “The future is waiting for you to lead it; are you ready to connect?”, reflects its mission of empowering future leaders to create lasting global change.

The Role of We Grow Forest Foundation

The We Grow Forest Foundation integrates environmental priorities into We Connect UN, ensuring leadership training aligns with climate resilience, biodiversity preservation, and social equity. By combining sustainability with leadership development, We Connect UN provides a unique learning experience for individuals aiming to create positive change in their organizations and communities. We Grow Forest Foundation’s deep commitment to climate and social impact ensures that the initiative is practical, action-driven, and globally relevant.

Programs Offered by We Connect UN

Global Executive Leadership Programme (GELP)

Target Audience – Professionals, executives, and emerging leaders from corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.
Focus – Developing sustainable leadership strategies while integrating SDGs and ESG principles into business and governance.
Structure – A one-month hybrid program combining in-person learning in Geneva, virtual modules, and applied leadership projects.
Key Features – Direct engagement with UN agencies, sustainability experts, and global policymakers for actionable insights.

UN Executive Leadership Programme (UNELP)

Target Audience – Individuals working within or aspiring to join the UN, international organizations, and policy institutions.
Focus – Understanding UN operations, policies, and global governance frameworks through immersive learning experiences.
Structure – A one-month training program with expert-led workshops, case studies, and policy simulations.
Key Features – Interaction with UN officials, international policymakers, and governance leaders to develop high-impact leadership skills.

Program Logistics

Duration – Both programs run from March to November with structured virtual and in-person learning components.
Location – Sessions are held in Geneva, Switzerland, the world’s leading hub for international diplomacy and sustainability.
Format – The programs combine immersive on-site training, virtual education, and real-world sustainability projects.

Geneva, as the headquarters of numerous UN agencies, offers an unparalleled environment for participants to engage with global decision-makers.

Core Learning Themes: SDGs and ESG Principles

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

What They Are – A global blueprint for addressing poverty, inequality, climate action, and economic growth.
Role in We Connect UN – Participants align leadership strategies with the SDGs, integrating sustainability into their work.
Practical Application – Through real-world projects, leaders develop innovative solutions for global sustainability challenges.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles

What They Are – A framework for assessing business ethics, social responsibility, and environmental impact.
Role in We Connect UN – Training focuses on integrating ESG into corporate governance and policy leadership.
Practical Application – Participants develop custom sustainability strategies for their organizations and industries.

Why Geneva?

Geneva, Switzerland, is the ideal location for We Connect UN due to its strategic importance in global diplomacy and sustainability.

UN Headquarters – Geneva is home to UNOG, WHO, UNEP, ILO, and other key UN agencies.
Global Policy Hub – The city facilitates discussions on human rights, climate change, and economic development.
Neutral Ground – Switzerland’s political neutrality fosters open dialogue and global cooperation.

By immersing participants in this international ecosystem, We Connect UN expands their leadership capacity and global networks.

Objectives of We Connect UN

Develop Ethical and Sustainable Leaders – Cultivate leaders who drive positive change through sustainability and governance.
Address Global
Challenges – Equip participants to tackle climate action, inequality, and economic transformation.
Foster Global
Connections – Build a network of sustainability-focused professionals and policymakers.
Engage with the UN – Provide direct exposure to UN agencies, programs, and policy discussions.
Drive Impactful Change – Enable participants to implement ESG and SDG-aligned strategies within their fields.

Who Should Participate?

We Connect UN is ideal for:

Corporate Leaders – Professionals seeking to integrate sustainability into business leadership.
Public Sector Executives – Government and NGO leaders aiming to align policies with UN global frameworks.
Aspiring UN Professionals – Individuals interested in international policy, governance, and environmental advocacy.
Sustainability Experts – Professionals working in climate action, ESG compliance, and corporate responsibility.

The program provides a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills that are globally relevant and future-focused.

Broader Impact of We Connect UN

We Connect UN bridges the gap between leadership, sustainability, and global cooperation.

Leadership for a Changing World – Preparing decision-makers to address complex sustainability challenges.
Alignment with Global Frameworks – Strengthening commitment to SDGs and ESG principles.
Scalable Impact – Empowering leaders to drive transformation within organizations, governments, and communities.
Empowerment Through Education – Providing actionable knowledge to build a sustainable and ethical future.

The program fosters a new generation of leaders committed to shaping a better world.

inspired by nature

We Connect UN invites leaders, visionaries, and change makers to participate in a program that connects leadership to global impact in line with the SDGs. The future is waiting for you to lead it; are you ready to connect?