Diplomacy Students Attend UN Press Conference

Students from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations attended the United Nations Daily Press Briefing on November 14 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The briefing was hosted by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General and the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly. This unique opportunity gave students an inside look at how the United Nations communicates global developments and tackles critical international issues in real time.

Accompanied by Dean Courtney Smith, the group included undergraduate and graduate students from the School’s newspaper, The Diplomatic Envoy and the United Nations Association of Seton Hall (UNA-SHU).

The morning began with a briefing on the President of the UN General Assembly’s agenda given by her spokesperson, La Neice Collins. Collins explained that her excellency, Annalena Baerbok’s schedule included her participation in COP 30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil, where she was set to address the climate crisis and climate finance. Collins also briefed journalists and students on the upcoming General Assembly agenda items.

An afternoon briefing focused on Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, among other topics, was given by Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Dujarric began his briefing by highlighting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s participation in COP30 and his engagement with civil society representatives, advocacy groups, and youth. The briefing then covered the latest developments on humanitarian aid delivery in international conflict zones.

Students gained valuable field experience by attending both the General Assembly and the Secretary General’s office press briefings. They saw firsthand the importance of transparent communication, multilateral cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

After the press briefing, spokesperson Dujarric held a group discussion with students and shared insights from his experience in international journalism. He spoke about his typical day, offered career advice and provided valuable insights on the lasting importance of ethics in journalism and free media at the United Nations.

Diplomacy graduate student, Natalie Malatino, described the day as diplomatically and academically motivating. She said, "Watching the briefing live and then having the chance to ask questions was inspiring. Experiences like these are incredibly valuable because they offer direct, in-person exposure in the field I am studying."

The School of Diplomacy offers students a range of hands on experience, from events at the UN headquarters to experiential learning activities on campus where theory and practice come together. Faculty provide an academic experience and encourage active involvement in field opportunities that develop the essential qualities required by world diplomacy.

Categories: Nation and World