About Us

Short Summary

Founded in 2015 by two UN interns in NYC. FII advocates for equally accessible and quality internships within the United Nations (UN) Common System and supports UN interns in navigating their internship specifically in New York City

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FII is a global movement with representation across multiple continents, from North America to Europe, to Asia and Africa. FII NYC is distinct in its processes, as it directly responds to the local and context-specific needs of UNHQ Interns.

What We Do

The Fair Internship Initiative (FII) is a global advocacy network that advocates for fair and quality internships at the UN system. The network has representation around the world, with members from diverse backgrounds who have come together in a unified movement to improve accessibility to and quality of UN internships. Members organize, meet with, and advocate UN leadership and UN Permanent Missions for policy reform, namely reversal of unpaid internship policy on grounds of socio-economic exclusion. At the same time, FII NYC provides exciting and enriching opportunities and resources for interns to make the most of their UN Internship and time in NYC. This includes:

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1) Workplace and New York City handbooks

2) Holding regular orientation events

3) Social, cultural and networking events 

With that, FII is an organization for interns to preserve their rights as well as provide a community for all to come together and share experiences and support each other throughout. 

Who Benefits

By advocating for paid internships, FII strives to reform the UN internship program to allow people of all backgrounds, regardless of socioeconomic status, to take an internship at the United Nations. The beneficiaries of this work are those who are qualified for and motivated to take a UN internship but are prevented due to the lack of financial support.