Strategic Plan 2025-2030

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Dear Members of the UNIS Community,

Although the new school year is now well underway, we want to take this opportunity to add our voice to this year’s emphasis on kindness. At UNIS, kindness reflects our values: respect for diversity, care for one another, and a commitment to building a compassionate world.

This year the UNIS Board of Trustees is excited to present a new Strategic Plan for the years 2025-2030, developed and refined over the past 12 months with input from representatives of all UNIS stakeholder groups. As we roll it out to our school’s community, we want to share a copy with you as an initial introduction to the goals and priorities to give you an overview before we begin the implementation of the Plan.

The Strategic Plan evolves and sharpens the five Strategic Goals that were developed for 2020-2025 to guide the school in its mission while defining new and updated priorities. It also reinforces UNIS’s connection with the United Nations as the centerpiece of the school’s identity and focuses on nurturing students’ talents and aspirations through a rigorous and innovative curriculum delivered by a diverse team of highly motivated and committed faculty and staff. The new Plan also keeps a focus on our responsibility for long-term financial sustainability and pushes us to create social and physical learning spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate. The Board of Trustees, led by the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), designed the Plan to focus on the most impactful priorities we can achieve over the next five years.

Our school has been resilient in what continue to be challenging times. We expect that, while we continue to adapt as necessary, the five updated Goals set out in this Plan will support our common endeavor to make UNIS shine even brighter and distinguish itself as a leader in international education.

The Board of Trustees looks forward to a series of conversations with different constituencies of the UNIS Community later this Fall to discuss the Plan and align our efforts – we will be in communication soon with the specific dates.

Sincerely yours,

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Curriculum Excellence and Interdisciplinary Learning

A strong consensus emerged around the need for a student-centered, rigorous curriculum that integrates the IB framework with interdisciplinary studies. Feedback emphasized the importance of fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. There was a shared commitment to balancing technological integration (such as AI) with traditional pedagogies that encourage creativity and deeper learning.

Multilingual and Cultural Competence

Language learning remains a pillar of UNIS’s educational framework, with participants suggesting a stronger focus on measurable outcomes for multilingual fluency. Several innovative ideas were discussed, including expanding cultural programs, global trips, and immersing students in experiences that broaden their perspectives, which will allow them to develop the global leadership skills that are central to the school's mission.

Embedding the UN Principles and Global Citizenship

UNIS’s deep connection to the UN and its values was a consistent theme throughout the day. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of continuing to integrate UN values and the SDGs into the curriculum. The idea of fostering student engagement with the UN through hands-on learning experiences, internships, and leadership programs emerged as a key opportunity to strengthen this relationship further.

Student Resilience and Leadership Development

The feedback highlighted the importance of equipping students with the resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills required to thrive in a dynamic global environment. Discussion centered on creating spaces for healthy debate, promoting emotional intelligence, and encouraging independent thought—all while ensuring long-term success through alumni tracking and university retention rates.

Faculty Development & Institutional Identity

A key takeaway was the need for continuous faculty development, especially in interdisciplinary and student-centered teaching methods. Feedback reinforced the importance of strengthening UNIS’s institutional identity, ensuring that both educators and students are aligned with the school’s mission of fostering global citizens.

Financial Sustainability and Operational Efficiency

Discussions on financial sustainability emphasized the need to grow the school’s endowment, optimize operational efficiency, and develop diversified fundraising strategies. Ensuring tuition affordability while maintaining world-class educational programs was a priority, with participants noting the importance of building a strong, systematic approach to fundraising and alumni engagement.

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