By Gapbar Hallyyev, Turkmenistan
Hi, I am Gapbar Hallyyev from Turkmenistan and I am one of the 18 privileged scholars to attend the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) on Economics and Sustainable Development, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute for Training and Development. Under this program, I have the opportunity to spend a four-week academic residency at Suffolk University in Boston and a two-week integrated study tour in New York and Washington D.C.
In writing this blog I aim to take you on a virtual tour of my unforgettable visit to the United Nations. The United Nations is dedicated to promoting peace, fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges. Recently, we had the great opportunity to visit the Headquarters of the UN in New York City within the framework of the SUSI scholars program, where we experienced a deep sense of inspiration. The flags representing each of the member states and the magnificence of the architecture and international atmosphere left us captivated.
The guided tour to the main organs of the UN, particularly to the General Assembly, where world leaders unite annually to discuss pressing global issues, 
as well as Security Council, where urgent peace and security matters are addressed was unforgettable experience. Moreover, the opportunity to learn more about the UN activities aimed at mobilizing the world community to work collaboratively towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals was of particular importance.
While exploring the UN Headquarters, we noticed that the UN actively engages with its diverse member states by simultaneously translating major proceedings into the six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The UN truly embodies the power of international collaboration. The tour was highly productive and gave ample opportunities to highly appreciate the tireless work of the UN.
Taking the opportunity, I express my gratitude for the experiences I have had, the knowledge I have gained and the memories I have made. I truly appreciate the opportunities provided by the U.S. Department of State in this SUSI program and the Institute for Training and Development for administering the program. Moreover, I express my special thanks to Katie Lazdowski for her guidance and continuous support.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
