Professor of Religion and Catholic Studies Program Student Participated in a United Nations Conference

On Monday, September 9, 2024, Ines Angeli Murzaku, Ph.D., professor of Religion and director of Catholic Studies Program, and student Nancy Kajo participated in a conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Kajo is majoring in Political Science and Catholic Studies and is also part of the 3+3 Program with Seton Hall Law. Additionally, she is the founder and president of the newly established Albanian Student Association at Seton Hall University.

The UN conference was held in conjunction with a Commemorative Symposium on the 100th Anniversary of Fan S. Noli’s Mission in the League of Nations in Geneva, celebrating Albania’s admission to the League and highlighting Fan S. Noli’s contributions at the United Nations.

Fan Noli was a prominent Albanian scholar, excelling in various fields including literature, diplomacy, politics and religious leadership. He founded the Albanian Orthodox Church in America and played a pivotal role in Albania's political and cultural development in the early 20th century. His efforts to promote Albanian language, culture and national identity have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a national hero.

In 1924, when Noli was Prime Minister, he traveled to Geneva and delivered a powerful speech to the Assembly of the League of Nations. Known for its eloquence and critical tone, the speech critiqued the refusal of some to recognize his government and provide financial support. Noli’s pointed criticism of the League’s leadership was widely covered by the international press, including The New York Times, which published the speech in full.

The event at the UN featured notable scholars, writers and officials, such as Ervin Bushati, the Albanian Ambassador to the U.S.

Murzaku’s paper, entitled "Unity in Diversity, the Ecumenical Heritage of Fan S. Noli," focused on Noli’s contributions to "peace education."

Nancy Kajo presented Professor Nicholas Pano’s paper entitled "Saint George Mother Church, Vatra, and Dielli: Three Pillars of Fan S. Noli’s Mission."

"I feel blessed and honored to have played a role in this," said Nancy. "Thank you to the fantastic Professor Ines Murzaku for this wonderful opportunity. I hope I represented both the Albanian community and Seton Hall well at the UN."

Categories: Nation and World, Research