MANHATTAN, NEW YORK - FORDHAM GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES STUDENTS LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO WORK FOR THE UNITED NATIONS

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MANHATTAN, NEW YORK - FORDHAM UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES STUDENTS VISIT THE U.N. SECRETARIAT FOR EXCLUSIVE CAREER PANEL

April 14, 2026 - "I want to work for the United Nations one day" is a common goal heard by Fordham staff and faculty when speaking with aspiring Fordham changemakers. To help Fordham students realize this goal, Fordham University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), in partnership with the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA), planned a special visit to the U.N. Secretariat for an exclusive career panel discussion with Arturo Requesens, social affairs officer; Rula Hinedi, chief, guided tours U.N. HQ; and Evelyne Bamba, chief, Country Oversight and Support Team, UNDP. 

During the hour-long career panel, each panelist introduced themselves and told their stories: how and why they joined the U.N. and how their humanitarian careers have evolved over the years. 

Bamba recalls visiting the U.N. HQ as a child, "I remember thinking, this building is made of glass, how impressive! Later, as a young adult, I entered the U.N. as an intern." 

Hinedi started her humanitarian work in the non-profit sector and used her networks to apply for positions at the U.N. Requesens took his human rights law career to the United Nations and has since worked his way through legal positions there. 

Each panelist also offered exclusive advice for Fordham graduate students. 

Bamba recalled from her experiences in negotiations, "In any situation, you need clarity and calm under pressure." 

Hinedi responded to a student question on seeing the impact from the work, " I saw results much faster when I was working at an NGO. At the U.N., working with the country office includes a lot of tangible projects." 

Requesens offered straightforward advice, "It is very tough to get a position at the U.N. right now. I suggest diversifying your experience and exploring the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) or U.N. Volunteers. 

At the end of the panel, the speakers all agreed that the world is changing. 

Ruth Mukwana, the IIHA's Helen Hamlyn senior fellow and director, graduate humanitarian studies, formally with U.N. OCHA, reflected on the inspiration for students, "The United Nations is at the center of promoting international peace and security, addressing humanitarian and development challenges, and tackling today's global challenges such as climate change and AI. These are issues that our students are being prepared to tackle, and some of them will go on to work for the organization."

This event was made possible by Alix Nijimbere, regional liaison for Africa and sustainable development officer at the U.N. Development Coordination Office, and his colleagues. "Hosting the Fordham students reminded me of why empowering youth, women, communities, and countries matters so deeply. I hope to pass on this message of purpose and hope to the next generation—those who are considering joining the United Nations or serving, in any form or capacity, toward a better world and a better future." 

Special thanks to Seoyoon Chang, Assistant Dean for Student Professional Development, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, for working with Nijimbere and the IIHA for planning this event. 

 

Learn more about GSAS, Learn more about the IIHA

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The Institute acts as a bridge between the University and humanitarian practice, hosts lectures and symposia on a regular basis, and is the US partner for NOHA, a consortium of 12 European universities offering humanitarian education. The IIHA at 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, New York also provides space for undergrad and graduate students to meet and gallery showings. In addition to our courses, the IIHA publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics, such as A Skein of Thought. Media Inquiries: [email protected].