Ribbon-cutting of the UN Learning Centre for Multilingualism

"I'm very happy that the Language Department finally has gotten a stable home. The UN Learning Centre space is really nice. After a long break, I'm excited to be learning Spanish again -- and even more so in such a modern and clean space." - Mattias Sundholm, Spanish language student .

There was a buzz of excitement when teachers, students, and guests arrived for the official opening of the new UN Learning Centre on 25 May 2016.  After the demolition of the North Lawn building and just in time for the ceremony, the Capital Master Plan team removed the protective curtain cover revealing an open air atrium allowing sunlight to flood through the floor to ceiling windows into the Centre.  The proud UN flag, spring foliage, and New York skyscrapers including the Secretariat’s iconic glass and marble façade can be seen through the atrium’s circular opening.  “It does not feel at all like you are below ground,” remarked one teacher.

Mr. Yukio Takasu, the Under-Secretary-General for Management who performed the ribbon-cutting, said that the transformation of the space into a bright, modern, and functional centre of learning and development was an “example of the creativity and innovation that thrives in our Organization.”  He thanked the human resources and facilities management colleagues, who were instrumental in developing the space, Permanent Representatives from Missions to the UN, as well as external partners such as TV5MONDE for their continued contributions and support to the UN language and learning programmes.

On hand to join Mr. Takasu at the event were Ms. Cristina Gallach, Under-Secretary-General for Public Information, Mr. Movses Abelian, Assistant Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conferences Management, and Mr. Victor Kisob, Director of the Learning, Development, and Human Resources Services Division of OHRM. 

Mr. Abelian highlighted the purpose of the space as a hub where classes in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish are held on any given day.  “Students can start with no understanding of a language and, over a few years – if they work hard – they can develop proficiency.” 

He also drew attention to the cadre of language teachers who not only have impressive degrees and experience, but must also pass a highly competitive exam in order to teach in the Organization.  Each day they work towards the goal of multilingualism, towards creating a world in which each of us can communicate a little better with a few more people than the day before. 

The UN Learning Centre, a modern space of multilingualism and career development, is a peace initiative at its core.