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international

in such a multicultural environment profoundly
enhances students' intercultural competence and
open-mindedness — core skills that are essential
for navigating today's complex and challenging
world.

Birthplace of the International Baccalaureate
In the mid-1960s, a group of teachers from Ecolint
created the International Schools Examinations
Syndicate (ISES), which later became the
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
and then the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Strong ties and a common mission with Lord Mountbatten presents the very first International
International Geneva Baccalaureate diploma in the Ecolint Greek Theatre on 24
The relationship between the UN and Ecolint is September 1971.
historic and stems back to the school’s origins
when it was founded in 1924. Often referred to
in its early days as “The League School,” Ecolint
has always channelled the spirit and ideals of the
United Nations, embodying principles of global
cooperation and humanitarian values long before
the UN itself emerged from the League.

From its inception, Ecolint has been resolutely
not-for-profit, with humanity as its sole
beneficiary rather than corporate shareholders
or private equity firms. Article 4 of Ecolint's
Charter emphasises this commitment, stating
that "“The activity of the school in all fields and
especially in the field of pedagogy shall be based on
the principles of equality and solidarity among all
peoples and of the equal value of all human beings,
without any distinction of nationality, race, sex,
language or religion".

A significant milestone in the partnership
between Ecolint and the United Nations was the A graduation ceremony nowadays in the Ecolint Greek Theatre.
creation of the Model United Nations system
in 1953. This simulation of UN protocol — General for Education, also served as Director
resolution setting, debate, voting, and adoption General.
or rejection — provides a powerful, concrete
example of education for peace. Today, thousands Over the decades, Ecolint has remained the
of students worldwide participate in the model, a natural choice for international civil servants
testament to Ecolint's enduring influence. from the United Nations and its specialised
agencies, thanks to its deeply-rooted values
Ecolint’s leadership has often included and educational approach. Today, over 40% of
distinguished figures from the UN. In 1967, Ecolint families work for the UN or UN-affiliated
Professor Irving Berenson, Director of United institutions, further strengthening these ties.
Nations Radio, was appointed Ecolint’s
Director General. In the early 1980s, Leo Notably, some remarkable UN figures have
Fernig, UNESCO’s former Assistant Director served the Ecolint community, including Kofi

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