This week, I had the privilege of attending the Global Engagement Summit, hosted by UNA-USA at the United Nations. I had the opportunity to connect with advocates from across the country and around the world, brainstorming innovative ways to foster a more progressive and inclusive society. I also reunited with counterparts from previous summits, including those hosted by The World Bank, NATO, UN General Assembly (UNGA), and the UN High-Level Political Forum.

During our discussions, we emphasized the importance of youth involvement in leadership, foreign policy, human rights, and climate change prevention. Additionally, we addressed pressing global issues such as Russian aggression and the ongoing support for Ukraine in these challenging times.

One of the most impactful conversations I had was with Mariia Parkhomenko, an Intake Coordinator for Ukrainian Response at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Having fled the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Mariia is now actively advocating for the freedom and rights of the Ukrainian people. Our discussion centered on the importance of safeguarding women in crisis-affected regions and strengthening feminist foreign policy to combat gender-based violence and discrimination.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to advocate for malaria prevention and climate action, collaborating with fellow advocates to develop solutions to mitigate the escalating climate crisis. Together with our NGO partners, we explored strategies to enhance advocacy efforts—not only within the UN framework but also at the community level, particularly in the realms of human rights and environmental sustainability.

At the summit, I was honored to represent "In Network: National Security Academy", an NGO established by a Director at the U.S. Department of State. My team and I advocated for greater female participation in diplomacy and national security, while also raising awareness about the importance of understanding national security and foreign affairs. We highlighted how increased awareness can help prevent domestic and international conflicts, reduce misinformation, and foster cultural understanding and diversity—key pillars of peace and security.

Beyond engaging in discussions with fellow advocates, I had the privilege of listening to speeches by diplomats, ambassadors, and experts on international law, youth involvement, and human rights.

Additionally, I was selected by the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) to be part of their "Press Corps" team. In this role, I observed press briefings and had the opportunity to speak with UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. I briefed him on the challenges youth face regarding human rights and misinformation, and we discussed the crucial role of young people in shaping foreign policy and journalism. As a Press Corps member, I work closely with the UN Foundation team, focusing on social media advocacy, journalism, and digital equity, particularly in the areas of women’s rights, global affairs, and climate change.