By: Letitia Taylor

Kia ora, my name is Letitia, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to take part in a short-term programme with the United Nations through UREKA and UNITAR. I was drawn to this experience because of my strong interest in international policy and diplomacy, and I hoped it would give me insight into how global decision-making works in practice.

The programme began with two weeks of online learning, where we were introduced to the work of the United Nations and collaborated in teams on group projects. My group focused on addressing SDG 4 (quality education) in a community in the Philippines, which gave me the chance to engage with real-world global issues and think critically about possible solutions. These initial weeks helped build a strong foundation before we travelled to Geneva to present our work.

The week in Geneva was definitely the highlight of the experience. Being able to spend time inside the United Nations building was both exciting and inspiring, and it made the work feel tangible in a way that online learning could not. I particularly enjoyed learning more about diplomacy in practice and seeing how international collaboration operates in such a complex environment. Outside of the programme, I also had the chance to explore Geneva and take a day trip to Lyon, which was a memorable way to experience more of the region’s culture and history. My favourite moment of the entire programme was visiting the UN General Assembly Hall, being in such an important and historic space made me feel incredibly honoured.

Throughout the programme, I learned a great deal about diplomacy, leadership, and global cooperation. One of the most valuable aspects was working with people from different countries, which exposed me to a wide range of perspectives. This challenged me to think more critically and communicate more effectively, especially when navigating differing viewpoints and cultural outlooks.

One of the main challenges I faced was being so far away from home for an extended period of time. Adjusting to a new environment, different routines, and being separated from familiar support systems was not always easy. However, this experience helped me become more independent and confident in my own abilities. It pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, build new connections, and develop confidence in unfamiliar situations.

This experience has had a significant impact on how I see my future. It has strengthened my interest in multilateral diplomacy and confirmed my desire to pursue a career in international policy. It also showed me the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness when addressing global challenges. In the short term, I believe this experience will allow me to gain a deeper understanding in my studies, especially in my Political Science classes.

Overall, this opportunity exceeded my expectations. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge and skills, but I also formed meaningful connections with people from around the world. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and everything it has taught me.