Every university in the world teaches about the U.N., but Lehigh has fully integrated the U.N. into an almost quasi-classroom through our NGO status. This relationship is the ultimate example of theory to practice.
Bill Hunter, Ed.D. Director, Office of Fellowship Advising and UN Programs
Mission Statement
The Lehigh University Partnership for Sustainable UN Missions is a voluntary program designed for Missions based in New York to integrate sustainable practices into the workplace. UN Missions will have the opportunity to work with the UN Environment Programme to identify tangible ways to bring the Greening the Blue framework into their offices. Participating Missions will establish themselves as global leaders by setting the precedent for global sustainable change.
LU/UN Partnership Overview
Lehigh University has built a long-standing relationship with the United Nations, positioning the university as a highly engaged partner in global collaboration. In 2004, Lehigh became the sixth university in the world to gain United Nations-accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. After over 20 years as a U.N. NGO in an observer role, Lehigh’s LU/UN Partnership expanded significantly. In 2025, Lehigh joined an elite group, becoming one of only 20 higher education institutions worldwide to be officially granted U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) NGO special consultative status.
Through these designations, Lehigh has been granted rare access to, and engagement with, the world’s largest intergovernmental organization. Each year more than 1,000 Lehigh faculty, staff, and students attend U.N. conferences, high-level briefings, and meetings with ambassadors and other U.N. officials both in New York City and on Lehigh’s campus. To date, an estimated 25,000 faculty, staff, and students have engaged in UN-related work through Lehigh’s network and initiatives.
The LU/UN Partnership has evolved into a cornerstone of Lehigh’s broader global engagement efforts, combining academic research, experiential learning and international collaboration through direct engagement with the United Nations.
History
In 2018, the Lehigh University Partnership for Sustainable UN Missions was founded to assist missions in identifying opportunities to demonstrate their commitment to fostering sustainable practices in their NYC facilities. The Permanent Mission of Sweden was the first to pilot the program, and in 2019, was awarded the program’s first Gold Certification. As of 2026, nine missions have been certified, including six with Gold and three with Platinum certifications.
