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Ava Sokich was the Communications & Journalism intern at Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs during the fall semester of 2024. She wrote this first-hand account of her visit to the United Nations headquarters, along with other members of OIA staff.

The morning of Nov. 22, dawned early for Lehigh University Office of International Affairs (OIA) staff members, including myself, as we gathered for a special trip to the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York City.

This visit was part of Lehigh's celebration of its 20-year partnership with the U.N., a partnership that began in 2004 and has provided countless opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in global dialogue and contribute to the UN's work toward a better world.

Our journey, organized by Bill Hunter, who leads the Lehigh University/United Nations (LU/UN) Partnership, began at 7 a.m. as we boarded a bus headed for New York City. 

Hunter, Director of Fellowship Advising and U.N. Programs at Lehigh, played a pivotal role in establishing the university's position as one of the few institutions accredited as a non-governmental organization (NGO) at the U.N. 

That status, granted in 2005, was the result of Hunter’s vision and a fateful question asked by then-Provost Nelson G. Markley during Hunter’s interview at Lehigh: "Where could Lehigh be in five years under your leadership?" 

Fortunately, Hunter was able to share this story with OIA staff on the bus before his ritual quiz on U.N.-related questions as we entered New York City. 

Hunter said how, during his interview, he suggested that Lehigh could achieve NGO status at the U.N., which ultimately set the course for the creation of the LU/UN Partnership.

“It took me five years and two months to do it—what a slacker,” he joked.

The morning’s first stop was a meeting with the Deputy Ambassador of Chile. There, we engaged in discussions about Chile’s role within the U.N. and its contributions to advancing the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The meeting was especially meaningful as it also connected Lehigh students participating in Lehigh Launch, a program for first-year students studying in San Antonio, Chile, via Zoom, offering them the opportunity to participate in the conversation.

Chile’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—including critical areas like gender equality, climate action, and poverty—was central to the discussion, underscoring the global nature of the challenges that lie ahead.

Following the meeting, we headed to a nearby Indian restaurant for lunch, where we were joined by Lehigh alumna Patricia Chaves, ’92, a Senior Sustainable Development Officer at the U.N. 

Chaves shared her inspiring journey from representing Costa Rica at the U.N. to now supporting countries around the world in their efforts to achieve the SDGs. 

As the head of the Office for Intergovernmental Support and Coordination, Chaves plays a vital role in helping countries prepare reports for the UN's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, providing training, and supporting civil society’s participation in U.N. meetings. 

After an enriching discussion with Chaves, we made our way to the U.N. headquarters for a private tour. As we walked through the halls of the iconic building, the weight of its history and the significance of the work carried out there were evident. 

The U.N.’s 17 SDGs, which form the foundation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, were displayed throughout the building, reminding us of the critical global challenges ahead. From ensuring access to education for all to tackling climate change, the SDGs aim to create a more sustainable and equitable world for all people.

Each year, more than 1,000 Lehigh students, faculty, and staff participate in UN events, ranging from high-level briefings and meetings with ambassadors to hands-on learning experiences at the UN’s annual conferences . 

My personal favorite part of the visit was making it to the General Assembly room. It was incredible to see the untouched nature of where the world’s most notable political figures gather. I was fascinated by the intricacies of the room, learning about the different translations that occur, the speeches that are delivered, and the significance of who sits where. It was a humbling experience to stand in such a historic space where global decisions are made.

When we arrived at the General Assembly room, Hunter pointed out with pride, “Every political figure you can think of has stepped into this room—it's the world’s biggest dining room.” He continued, "What makes me so proud is that Lehigh students have given speeches on that same podium."

As I reflect on the significance of this visit, it is clear that Lehigh’s partnership with the U.N. has opened countless doors for students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful, global conversations. 

The opportunity to be a part of the U.N.’s ongoing work is a reminder of Lehigh’s commitment to shaping global future makers. For me, this visit reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and collaboration to address the world’s most pressing challenges. As we celebrate 20 years of partnership, it is inspiring to consider how Lehigh and the U.N. will continue to work together to create a better, more sustainable world.

Lehigh's 20-year partnership with the U.N. is more than just a milestone; it is a testament to the university’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers who will help guide the world toward a more sustainable future.