UNGSC welcomed 80 students from the University of Bari for the second edition of its Open Day initiative — an opportunity to introduce future professionals to the operational foundation that enables UN field missions worldwide.
Through a guided tour of the Base, students received an overview of UNGSC’s integrated support functions, including the 3R (Return, Refurbishment, Reuse) Programme, warehouse and engineering operations, environmental management, and digital technology services. Colleagues illustrated how these capabilities underpin mission continuity, operational readiness, and the safety of personnel deployed in complex environments.
The visit generated strong interest among students, many of whom used the wrap-up session to explore the human dimension of multilateral work — from the role of shared values to the competencies and responsibilities required when serving in the UN system. Their engagement reflected a growing curiosity about how diverse academic backgrounds can contribute to global operations.
Discussions with the University of Bari focused on identifying areas where academic engagement and UNGSC’s operational expertise can be further aligned. Both sides expressed interest in developing a broader framework for collaboration, aimed at creating long-term opportunities for learning, knowledge exchange, and closer connection between academic programmes and the operational realities of field support.
By fostering awareness of the UN’s operational landscape, initiatives like this help broaden the perspectives of future professionals who may one day contribute to international field support.
