How to schedule a seminar
Amid the restless spirits and often-tough diplomacy of the United Nations, the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations helps inspire, equip and connect Presbyterians for ministry as faithful disciples of Jesus in the global community. We educate with the hope of helping individuals live out God’s call in Christ to live with compassion, seek peace, and pursue justice wherever they go.
Through our seminar program, we provide an opportunity for Presbyterians and others to learn about the work of the United Nations, the work of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, and the global ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Seminar participants explore a topic of their choice—often in an area where they are already engaged in mission. A seminar helps individuals and groups strengthen their capacity for living as disciples of Jesus within the global community. Seminars are held in the offices of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations across from UN Headquarters at the Church Center for the United Nations.
No two seminars are identical. Seminars typically include an overview of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, a tour of UN Headquarters, speakers from the UN Community, and interactive sessions.
Designing a seminar
Participants in the Youth Making a Difference seminar share their dreams for the International Day of Peace. Picture by Mark Koenig.
Most frequently, groups design seminars that are between one and two days in length. Half-day and longer seminars are possible. The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations staff will work with you to design a seminar to meet the needs and interests of your group. Seminars often include a tour of the United Nations. Suggestions for lodging and meals will be provided.
We recommend that you schedule seminars approximately two months in advance. Seminars are limited during February and March when the Commission on the Status of Women meets, September when the UN General Assembly begins its session, and at other times when the UN holds events.
Recent seminar topics include:
- Presbyterian presence and advocacy at the U.N.
- Millennium Development Goals
- HIV/AIDS
- Child soldiers
- Human Trafficking
- Israel and Palestine
- Child labor
- Forgiveness in public life
- Hunger
- Climate change’s impact on human migration
Administrative fees (per person) for a seminar are: $25 for a full day or $15 for a half-day. Fees for the U.N. tour currently range between $11 for children and $20 for adults. The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations can help arrange meals for the seminar group. Groups are charged the cost of the meal with the prices per person currently being approximately: breakfast for $8-10 and lunch for between $8–13 depending on the menu.
We are able to recommend lodging options that offer a range of accommodations and costs.
Contact Mark Koenig, director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations for more information and to discuss designing your seminar.
