Diplomacy Students Attend United Nation's International Day of Peace Conference
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Diplomacy students visited the UN's iconic New York headquarters as part of the International Day of Peace Conference last month.
On September 12, 2025, six students from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations — Adreanna Dones, Ashley Falastin, Allie Vice, Nyada Bryant, Safwan Ali and Zachary Cooney — spent the day at the United Nations taking part in the annual International Day of Peace Conference. While the UN observes the International Day of Peace on September 21, the Youth Conference was held earlier, giving students a chance to engage with the year’s themes in advance.
The Seton Hall delegation began the day with a morning tour of the UN’s iconic New York headquarters. The tour included stops at the General Assembly (although viewed through the windows), and at an exhibit showcasing the damage that nuclear arms and traditional firearms have caused. The group also saw a display showing how much countries spend on military resources. They viewed cultural paintings, including a replica of the royal barge, the “Suphannahong” and other artistic pieces that nations have gifted to the UN over the years.
A roundtable discussion generated ideas for bringing peace to participant's schools and communities.
The participants took part in a 75-minute roundtable discussion focused on the conference’s theme. “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” The delegation joined with high school and college students who were eager to share their ideas for bringing peace to their schools and communities. The meeting took place in a conference room where moderators enthusiastically encouraged students to share their ideas for creating more peaceful environments. The students were divided into groups where they collaborated to find practical ways to bring peace into their lives.
The Seton Hall delegation came away with a deep sense of appreciation and awe for the young leaders who are already taking action to build a better tomorrow. Ashley Falastin, reflected on what the event meant to her: “I left the UN feeling hopeful and motivated. The discussions reminded me that young people have the power to create change, and that peace is something we can work on every single day.”
Nyada Bryant said, “It was beautiful to learn what peace meant to everyone, and it gave me hope that someday we will all see our definitions of peace come to reality.”
Lastly, Adreanna Dones said, “These interactions left everyone with something to think about and attempt to implement at home, on campus and within themselves.”
All agreed that they were deeply grateful to the School of Diplomacy and International Relations for providing opportunities to engage at the United Nations — experiences and memories they will cherish for a long time.
Categories: Nation and World
