With climate change becoming a more urgent and pressing issue for our global communities, students had the privilege of learning about the United Nations' initiatives to confront climate change directly from Former Chief of Mission in East Timor and Iraq, Harbachan Singh, on June 20.

Having served in the UN for 30 years before retiring, Singh still continues helping humanity by being involved in local organizations that deal with social, economic, and legislative matters. Singh's close ties to the UN and his enthusiasm to promote communal solutions for global issues meant that students got an exclusive tour of the exhibits on climate change at the UN, the headquarters for international peacekeeping.

Students learned about the devastating impact of climate change, one in which economic and social inequality would be exacerbated with the increased competition and conflict over agricultural, marine, and water resources.

Through the exhibits and Singh's explanations, students began to realize just how big the issue of climate change is and how the UN is working toward a long-term, international solution.

"Mr. Singh really made me understand that climate change is really a global issue," said Yiping Cai, a student from the City University of Hong Kong. "And even though dealing with climate change is a challenge, I think this is also an opportunity for the whole world to work together to solve this problem that affects all of us."

After the tour, students had lunch together in the UN Delegates' Dining Room where they enjoyed a gorgeous view from one of the most historic buildings in the nation.