Amidst the hectic daily schedule of meetings and debate about global issues related to the Catholic faith, Walsh University MBA student Emily Ghazoul found a sense of family as an intern to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations (U.N.) in New York City. Emily was one of only eight young Catholics from around the world selected to participate in the intensive program that immerses them in the Holy See's multilateral work at the U.N. The Vatican has been a neutral, nonvoting member of the world body since 1964.
“Many of the topics being discussed at the United Nations are extremely heavy and difficult, yet the team at the Mission always strengthened and supported one another, trying to share Christ’s light in the midst of the many problems that the world faces,” said Emily. “Like with my family within the Walsh community, I was fortunate enough to also have a family in the team at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.”
In addition to her undergraduate business management degree from Walsh, Emily recently earned her MBA from the DeVille School of Business this past April. She credits her experience at Walsh as the catalyst for her interest in pursuing a career in international relations.
“The key themes of the Catholic social tradition influenced my principles and writing, most notably in my business courses. I found that valuing the human person, recognizing the call for unity, protecting human rights, minimizing the disparity between rich and poor, existing harmoniously, and caring for Christ’s creation are themes that should be integrated into society,” said Emily. “When done so, God’s social nature enables us to build relationships of love and justice not only amongst each other, but also on a multinational level.”
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations
As an intern, Emily was primarily responsible for the issues in the 5th (Administrative and Budgetary) and 2nd (Economic and Financial) Committees of the General Assembly at the United Nations. Her daily scheduled included attending formal meetings and representing the Holy See during negotiations covering the eradication of rural poverty, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Fourth UN Conference on Least Development Countries, economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion, agricultural development, and food security and nutrition.
“I was shown warmth and kindness throughout my entire experience, including the months of applications and interviewing prior to being accepted to the Mission. Every single day at the office began as a community,” said Emily. “We would gather in the first-floor chapel and pray the Mid-Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours together. After prayer, we had a morning team meeting to receive assignments and update each other on the committees and negotiations of the General Assembly. We would then make our way to the kitchen to enjoy espresso and sweets as we bantered with one another before separating to accomplish our individual duties.”
As a representative of the Mission, she attended events regarding the Climate Action Summit during General Debate week, religious freedom and the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. When assigned to events and covering the formal meetings for my assigned Committees, she created reports that also contributed to the Mission’s final report for the Second and Fifth Committees, which were sent to the Secretariat of State in the Vatican. Along with these meetings and events, she attended various receptions hosted by other Missions.
During General Debate Week, Emily had the opportunity to listen to world leaders including Presidents, Royals, Prime Ministers, and other Heads of State and Government discuss global issues of specific importance to their nations. She was present during addresses by Boris Johnson, Pedro Sánchez, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Walid Al-Moualem, which was of particular interest to her because of her heritage. Along with many other world leaders, she was also able to exchange greetings with France’s President Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, and many other leaders.
“The quality of education I had received throughout my business and core courses has been second-to-none because of the legendary professors who really take interest in teaching and guiding students. I received a comprehensive education in accounting, management, economics, law, finance and marketing while learning vital networking, public speaking, negotiation, strategy, writing and leadership skills,” said Emily. “These lessons allowed me to translate the high-level financial and economic language present at the United Nations, into concise and understandable terms so that someone without business knowledge or a degree would understand. I was eager to use my knowledge in an environment that handled pressing global issues, such as the U.N.”
During her time at Walsh, Emily was a member of the World Student Organization and served as an International Ambassador on campus. She also participated in Walsh’s Global Learning programs to Italy and Spain. As a member of the Business Club and Student Managed Investment Portfolio, she was able to visit the New York Stock Exchange and tour companies such as Coca Cola and Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. She also traveled to Alfred, Maine, for the University’s annual student service trip to visit the Brothers of Christian Instruction. She was also the 2018 Walsh Homecoming Queen as an undergraduate and is currently a tutor in the Academic Support Center assisting in undergraduate MBA business, economics and English.
“Through the education and experiences I have encountered at Walsh University and abroad, I discovered the importance of diversity and inclusion and how these aspects make communities, both large and small, more successful, friendly, efficient, and accepting environments,” said Emily. “The experiences forged a path for me that has led to my interest in the law of international relations.”
Planning for the Future
Emily plans to continue her education in law school to earn her Juris Doctorate, with a concentration on international law. Her goal is to work on developmental initiatives in areas of the world where such programs are most necessary and one day contribute to the codification
of these international development programs in order to eradicate global poverty and inequality.
“It is difficult for me to generalize my future endeavors as being ‘after Walsh’ because I consider myself always a part of the University’s community,” said Emily. “Walsh has fostered my growth and supported me in unforgettable ways and I will always credit Walsh as my foundation.”
