HDI Bulletin

"Speaking at Alcorn State University was a wonderful opportunity for me to bring the Jamaican perspective on sustainable development to American students and academics. The university community welcomed me and was very attentive to the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and by Jamaica in particular. The more students that have the opportunity to expand their outlook globally, the better those students will be prepared for the future. The Humpty Dumpty Institute's Higher Education Alliance is an important tool in providing that international viewpoint." – Ambassador Courtney Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nation

"The Humpty Dumpty Institute has been pivotal in reshaping the global outlook on Alcorn State University's campus. The partnership bridged with the Office of Global Programs enabled students to interact with international leaders and intellectuals, engage in healthy dialogue about global affairs, and find guidance in developing programs focused on global awareness and education on campus. One of the most memorable experiences this year was hosting representatives across different departments of the UN for a conference on sustainable development. It was an honor to participate in the globalization of Alcorn's campus. My hope is that the legacy of this program and partnership thrives in order to build an inclusive campus for future leaders in an increasingly diverse and globalized environment." – Tony Innouvong, MBA student, Alcorn State University

"While all Savannah State University students are required to take a Global Issues class that exposes them to global affairs, the lecture series sponsored by the Humpty Dumpty Institute has strongly stimulated the interest of students in international affairs. Undoubtedly, the speakers selected by the Humpty Dumpty Institute have contributed to enrich the global competence of our students. In our efforts to prepare students for global citizenship, we are delighted to have the Humpty Dumpty Institute as a partner that connects the university with high profile diplomats who speak on various issues affecting the world community." – Dr. Emmanuel Naniuzeyi, Director of the International Education Center, Savannah State University

"I strongly believe that academia and diplomacy enjoy strong bonds and that without interaction with the academic community, diplomacy would lose its intellectual appeal. I also found this lecture a good opportunity for the Tunisian Permanent Mission to extend its contact and outreach to the African-American academic community. I thank the Humpty Dumpty Institute for giving me the opportunity of addressing such an academic circle which reflects the high level of interest of the US academic community to topics as important as the expansion of freedom and democracy to other parts of the world." – Riadh Ben Sliman, Deputy Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations

"I have had the great pleasure of giving talks organized by HDI at three schools – Wilkes University, Muhlenberg College, and Savannah State University. I found the experiences to be most fulfilling. The students showed great interest in the work of the UN and the issue of democracy. The discussions were invariably lively and constructive, and in a couple of cases continued by email. In one case, the student followed up diligently and gained an internship at the National Democratic Institute in DC. I must commend the work of HDI for making the whole process so seamless. The job of the speaker is to concentrate on the material and not to be distracted by logistics and HDI made this possible with their excellent organization and oversight." – Roland Rich, Executive Head, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF)

"HDI through its Higher Education Alliance, and insights into the work of the United Nations, creates unique platforms for much needed discourse, opportunities and strategies to review and analyze issues, situations and its impact on society. It is an opportunity that exposes the nexus and intersections that can transform our world. The experience of sharing these insights and underscoring the impact and implications with students at Alcorn State University was very enriching. For instance, many students reacted on the conflict in Ukraine, noting, the importance of not allowing its escalation to ensure peace for the region and beyond. From the rich discussions, students (as future leaders) witnessed and understood UN's efforts to promote policies, implement programs aimed at changing lives and transforming societies and the challenges involved." – Elsie Bernadette Onubogu, Senior Advisor, UN WOMEN

"Participating in the Conference on Sustainable Development at Alcorn State University was a great experience. I believe that students everywhere can benefit from reflecting on international issues. Creating a space for dialogue, in which interactions between students and professionals working on global issues is possible, is an excellent way to spark interest and open new perspectives." – Matthias Klettermayer, Associate Public Information Officer, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

"The 20th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis occasioned my visit to Alcorn State University. To be able to communicate the progress Rwanda has made since then is crucial to young audiences who were born after those terrible events in order that they understand and learn from the past. As an educator I appreciate the Humpty Dumpty Institute's inroads into higher education and bringing the Rwanda perspective to a wide range of students was an incredible experience. – Jeanne d'Arc Byaje, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations