Did You Know?
Connecticut’s relationship with the United Nations stretches from defense and global health to research and education.
Bradley Air National Guard played a frontline role in major UN-linked humanitarian and peacekeeping operations throughout the 1990s, deploying personnel to Somalia, Haiti, Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. In Bosnia, Connecticut’s 103rd Fighter Group became the first Air National Guard fighter unit engaged in combat operations supporting UN peacekeepers, flying missions to protect UN-designated safe areas from Serb attacks.
The University of Connecticut holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, participates in the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Management Education initiative and is part of the UN Department of Global Communications civil society network. Alongside Yale University, the state also has a strong Model UN focus and internship opportunities.
In addition, in 2026, Yale began working with the UN on a multiyear research initiative with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to study the global impact of climate migration, with an emphasis on practical solutions for East and Southern Africa.
Founded in 1955, the town of Westport’s International Hospitality Committee provides friendship and hospitality to UN staff, delegates and their families visiting the region.
Connecticut also helps power global public health and transportation systems, with state laboratories contributing to World Health Organization influenza surveillance networks that track emerging disease threats worldwide.