KIIT Deemed to be University has been granted the distinguished Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), a recognition of the university’s significant contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Selected from a pool of 476 global applications, KIIT is one of only 19 organizations to receive this honor. The status was conferred during the UN ECOSOC management segment meeting on July 23, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This recognition underscores KIIT’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and the SDGs. Achieving Special Consultative Status is a significant milestone, positioning KIIT among a select group of universities worldwide that have earned this esteemed distinction.
In a related development, KIIT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Volunteers (UNV). This partnership offers students of KIIT DU the opportunity to engage with various UN agencies as ‘National University UN Volunteers.’ These students will be deployed for development initiatives within the UN agencies, gaining valuable professional experience in international development along with a proper stipend. This initiative is a first of its kind by any private university in South Asia.
Additionally, the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), a global leader in fostering international understanding and diplomacy, has announced a historic collaboration with the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and KIIT. KISS, a sister institution of KIIT, will benefit from the support of the U.S. Department of State and numerous other partners. The ACYPL has facilitated life-changing exchange programs for over 8,900 leaders in the U.S. and 129 other countries and territories.
The ACYPL boasts an impressive alumni network, including prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. This collaboration with ACYPL is expected to enhance international relations and leadership opportunities for KIIT and KISS students.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, expressed his pride in KIIT being the only professional and technical university in India to achieve UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. He also highlighted that KISS has held this prestigious status since 2015. Dr. Samanta emphasized that KIIT is the only university in South Asia to receive UNV status for engaging students in internships. He added that the collaboration with ACYPL is a prestigious opportunity for KIIT to host political diplomats and leaders from around the world for internship programs.
