Diplomacy Student Attends the United Nations' World Summit for Social Development in Qatar

Last month, Neve Walker, a junior at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, participated in the United Nations' Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar. Walker, an undergraduate student focusing on international affairs and UN Studies, represented Seton Hall and the Enact Earth Foundation at the summit.

The UN World Summit for Social Development aims to address the gaps and reaffirm the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development through a visionary implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda. The program included plenary meetings, high-level roundtables, parallel events with NGOs and private sector. Summit themes covered topics such as eradication of poverty, full and productive employment and social inclusion.

"My experience at the Summit was truly transformative," Walker shared. "Being in Doha provided an invaluable opportunity to learn, network and even practice my Arabic in a real regional context."

As one of the world’s largest gathering of its kind the UN summit  in Qatar, brings together  high-level UN officials, heads of states, top government officials, advocacy groups and students.

During the summit Walker attended sessions on social development, AI-driven global solutions and women’s empowerment.  One of the most impactful sessions she took part in was titled: "Invest in Women and Girls to Drive Meaningful Change Across All Sustainable Development Goals, led by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. The discussion zeroed in on protecting girls in conflict zones and exposing the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war." Walker called the program "powerful and deeply moving," reflecting that, "Across the Summit, the biggest themes that emerged were the need for ethical AI governance, stronger youth participation in decision-making and gender equity as a driving force of all sustainable development efforts."

As vice president of the United Nations Association of Seton Hall (UNA-SHU) , Walker has a strong background in social development and youth advocacy. As an undergraduate student she has helped raise awareness about the UN, coordinated events on campus and strived to make an impact starting within UNA-SHU community on campus.

Walker’s participation in the UN World Summit for Social Development reinforced her passion for building a career in diplomacy and being part of global change. Her goal is to work for the UN community and contribute to international cooperation in the future. Walker says that her education at Seton Hall has been critical in shaping her path toward international diplomacy. "The  School of Diplomacy prepared me academically, professionally and personally in my path towards UN Studies. My coursework in international relations, human rights and ethics equipped me with the theoretical grounding to understand the deeper issues discussed at the Summit." Walker has also taken advantage of a variety of experiential learning opportunities while pursuing her degree, among them: the AFS Youth Assembly,  Model UN, writing for the Diplomatic Envoy and representing UNA-SHU. Being involved in campus activities she says, has  "strengthened my research, communication and leadership skills. These experiences made it much easier to engage confidently in high-level discussions and build meaningful connections with global leaders in Doha."

Walker’s story reflects not only personal dedication but also the experiential learning opportunities offered by the School of Diplomacy. She advises students who aspire to follow a similar path to build relationships with faculty and peers who can support their goals and to take advantage of every opportunity to gain practical experience, whether through internships, conferences, or student leadership. Her involvement within the UNA-SHU Chapter exemplifies the opportunities created by the School’s exclusive partnership with the United Nations Association of the U.S.A., which provides special access to the United Nations community.

Categories: Nation and World