NEWS

Lehigh students recently got a front-row seat to global diplomacy, engaging in a conversation with Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, and then British Ambassador James Kariuki. 

The meeting with Russell was arranged by former Ambassador and Lehigh Presidential Distinguished Fellow Richard Verma, who also engaged with the more than 40 students attending the presentations near the United Nations in New York City.

During the Q & A session, the former US ambassador to India answered questions about the evolving role the US is playing on the global stage. He covered everything from cuts in numerous government programs to his opinions on what the future holds for the US on the global stage. He concluded the session by introducing his former colleague, Ms. Catherine Russell. 

Russell has been serving as Executive Director since 2022 and was previously Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel under the Biden Administration. She was accompanied by Mr. Manuel Fontaine, the agency’s Special Advisor on Child Rights.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), works in over 190 countries to protect children's rights and provide essential aid. Founded in 1946, it focuses on health, education, nutrition, and emergency relief, striving to ensure every child has a safe and healthy future.

The briefing was opportune, given the recent changes in the global aid landscape since the Trump administration took office in January. Russell was met with no shortage of questions about how the budget cuts will affect UNICEF and its mission as a whole.

Russell responded to these curiosities with candor, admitting that she has wondered in recent months,  “Do we change our business model?” But she made sure to remind worried students that “Americans know UNICEF.” Pointing out that sometimes, they know it even better than the UN, thanks to campaigns such as Trick or Treating For UNICEF. Adding that funding does not solely come from the United States, UNICEF is one of the most well-funded UN agencies by a plethora of UN member-states around the world.

Despite these challenges and looming unknowns, Russell enjoys her job. “We get to come to work every day and think about how we get to make the world a better place for children.” Her positive attitude and honesty did not go unnoticed, especially by Rhema Hooper, ‘26, a Community and Global Health major and Youth Representative for the Medical Women's International Association. Saying, “I liked that both Ms. Russell and Mr. Fontaine affirmed that the purpose of UNICEF is to equip and empower governments to help their own citizens. I never thought of that before.”

Additionally, the 40 students met with Ambassador Kariuki, who has been the UK Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations since September 2022. In the position, he is the voice of Britain's concerns regarding holding aggressor states accountable, advocating for climate change remediation, and encouraging reform of the UN Security Council.

The UK, one of five Permanent Member states on the UN Security Council, is an avid supporter of enlarging the Council. Ambassador Kariuki echoed this sentiment when asked by a student, Grace Williams ‘27, a Joint International Relations/Russian major and intern at the LU/UN Partnership, what reforms the UN Security Council are most feasible. Saying that despite the Council feeling “a bit stuck” the UK is an advocate for the inclusion of Brazil, Germany, Japan, India, and an African member state in the Council. 

For Alexis Battista-Shook ‘25, a Philosophy major on a Pre-Nursing track, the meeting with Ambassador Kariuki and his advisor Ms. Kate Jones was a highlight. Saying, “Ambassador Kariuki made it very inviting and comfortable for students, and it allowed me to ask questions.”

Tara Chelvam ‘28, a student in the College of Health and Youth Representative for Caring & Living as Neighbours, credits trips like these with the LU/UN Partnership as her reason for coming to Lehigh. Saying, “I was really passionate to join the Partnership. I wrote about it in my application. The hands-on experience The Partnership allows students to get is invaluable.”

Furthermore, Chelvam believes that “It’s worth it for everyone to keep up to date with the topics being discussed and events being planned with the Partnership. There is a lot to learn from simply going to events and brushing up on the information in the newsletter.”