In September the United Nations marked the opening of its landmark 80th session of the General Assembly. As this new chapter began for the organization, the Quaker United Nations Office welcomed new members to our team to take part in the year to come. In both of our offices, QUNO welcomed new Programme Assistants: Daniela Campos and Naya Hassan in Geneva, and Ben Tomas-Morgan and Nina Saaty in New York. 

Each year QUNO takes on new staff members in the role of Programme Assistants on a revolving basis. In these positions, young professionals and recent graduates have opportunities to pursue interests in peacebuilding, international politics, or specific issues as they intersect with Quaker values and faith-based civil society organizations.  

Speaking to what drew her to QUNO, Nina highlighted a desire to expand her “understanding of how quiet diplomacy and multilateral cooperation can advance equitable and sustainable solutions to global challenges.” Ben added his hope “for the chance to engage with the UN not from a non-state perspective and to advocate for what is right rather than national interest.” From the Geneva office, Daniela credited QUNO’s “moral clarity in speaking up for human values in climate action” as leading her to take on the challenges of a PA. Naya was drawn to QUNO by “belief in the inherent value of every individual and in the power of dialogue to bridge difference.” Each of these perspectives capture different facets of QUNO’s unique place in the UN landscape. 

With varying backgrounds in human rights, sustainability, climate science, and international affairs, this new cohort of PAs is united in their shared hope to learn and grow while championing QUNO’s dedication to multilateralism. Daniela looks forward to learning “precious lessons in quiet diplomacy and the art of bringing people together;” Nina likewise is looking ahead to “learning how diplomacy can foster trust among diverse actors and how inclusive policymaking can uplift communities most affected by global inequities.” Ben says he is “hoping to gain a better understanding of the UN ecosystem, engage on issues that [he cares] deeply about, and support communities that need the ear of the UN now more than ever.” Naya rounds out how the challenges ahead of the UN and QUNO can be met through collaboration: “In a time when multilateralism is under strain, I hope to deepen my understanding of human rights by listening, learning, and holding space for genuine exchange.” 

Each of these promising young professionals has already begun to make their mark on QUNO’s work for the coming year, contributing writing and analysis that can be viewed here, here, here, and here. For more information on the Programme Assistant role at QUNO, visit this page. 

Please join the QUNO staff in welcoming these new faces to our team and watch this space for the latest updates on our work. Let us see what peace can do!