ATLANTA / MACON – Mercer University was recently accepted to become a member of United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), an initiative that aligns higher education institutions with the United Nations to support and contribute to the achievement of goals and mandates of the United Nations, including the promotion and protection of human rights, access to education, sustainability and conflict resolution.

“Membership in UNAI provides important structures and incentives for Mercer to continue its progress towards an international and globally engaged university,” said Dr. Craig McMahan, University Minister and Dean of Chapel. “Under the creative direction of Dr. Julie Strecker, Mercer’s students will have a wide range of opportunities for better understanding and more effective service around the world.”

The member institutions of the UNAI are committed to following these basic principles: fight against poverty, capacity building, education for all, global citizenship, access to higher education, human rights, intercultural dialogue, peace and conflict resolution, sustainability, as well as the principles inherent in the UN Charter.

“I am excited about the new opportunities joining the Academic Impact offers Mercerians,” said Dr Strecker, Director of International Programs. “Being active in this network and celebrating all the incredible work that members of the Mercer community do to improve the lives of our neighbors, locally and around the world, will support our work to build meaningful partnerships and connect our students with external support. to achieve their goals. ”

Since 2010, UNAI has created a dynamic and diverse network of students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks, higher education institutions, continuing education and educational associations.

Over 1,400 member institutions in over 147 countries reach over 25 million people in education and research across the world, representing a global diversity of regions and a thematic wealth of disciplines. UNAI serves as an integral link with these institutions to ensure that the international community harnesses the energy and innovation of young people and the research community in the service of humanity.

UNAI assists stakeholders by disseminating information on United Nations initiatives and activities, providing ideas on how these activities can be applied locally on university campuses, in classrooms and in communities. , and providing a platform where university students, scholars and researchers can connect and share ideas, research and resources to promote the Sustainable Development Goals and other United Nations mandates.

“Through traditional and innovative programs, Mercer brings the spirit of the United Nations to life, whether through Mercer On Mission overseas services, its health and medical-related schools, or through exploring the possibilities of faith-based diplomacy, among many others, ”said Ramu Damodaran, head of the United Nations.

There are no fees or charges for universities to join UNAI. Each member institution is solely responsible for actively demonstrating its support for at least one of the 10 UNAI Sustainable Development Principles or Goals each year. Membership in UNAI does not constitute accreditation or endorsement by the United Nations of member institutions, their activities or services, or their officials or other staff.