New course in cooperation with PLxUN Association: Introduction to United Nations System: Theory and Practice

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

Introduction to United Nations System: Theory and Practice

Course will be taught by Dr Anita Budziszewska, Department of Diplomacy and International Institutions, WNPiSM the University of Warsaw, in cooperation with  PLxUN Association*.

Main part of the course curriculum are lectures prepared by UN experts and practitioners (PLxUN Association).

The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of how the UN functions in practice, including the challenges faced in implementation and the realities of working in country and regional offices. By presenting concrete examples and practitioner perspectives, the course seeks to position a career in the United Nations while highlighting the wide range of global issues addressed within the system. Each lecture prepared by the UN expert/professional combines a thematic overview, covering key concepts, current challenges, and the nature of day-to-day work, with a profile of a UN professional.

The course will be held in person at the University of Warsaw (with possibility to join via ZOOM) and will be offered to Faculty and University of Warsaw students as well as  4EU+ Alliance Universities. Language of instructions: English

Speakers and order of lectures:

• Opening Seminar  – International Public Event 
• Dr Anita Budziszewska – 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)

If you have any questions, please contact course coordinator Dr. Anita Budziszewska at anita.budziszewska@uw.edu.pl.