On November 10, the United Nations Association of Seton Hall (UNA-SHU) hosted an event featuring Jarrett James Lash, the 14th youth observer to the United Nations. Lash is a community planner and housing strategist who brings experience in public service, land use, and sustainability to his role. He is focused on engaging young people in international policy discussions and is motivated by a commitment to sustainable communities.
During the event, students had the opportunity to interact with Lash and discuss topics related to local and global cooperation. The New Jersey chapter of UNA-SHU operates as part of Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy partnership with the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), giving students access to UN-related events and activities. Any student at Seton Hall who is a member of UNA-USA in good academic standing can join UNA-SHU.
The session was held in the Chancellor’s Suite at Seton Hall University Center, bringing together students, faculty, and guests. Adreanna B. Dones, president of UNA-SHU club, introduced Lash and spoke about youth cooperation and engagement: “I appreciate the opportunity to be with you all today. As UNA-USA youth observer, this is all part of the Listening Tour, listening to the youth, directly from the field, to discover the issues important to you.”
Lash led an interactive activity called “Issue Mapping Wall,” where participants identified key challenges facing young Americans by categorizing them as global, national, state or local concerns using sticky notes. According to Lash’s approach, this method helps clarify which entities are responsible for addressing specific problems.
Students raised concerns about rising living costs and developments in artificial intelligence. Zuleyha Cite, social media director for UNA-SHU and graduate intern at the United Nations Council of Presidents of the General Assembly (UNCPGA), pointed out a recent UNCPGA report addressing governance issues related to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that were brought before the UN General Assembly through resolution A/79/L.118.
Reflecting on his visit during a post-event interview, Lash stated: “The students were thoughtful, direct and honest about the world they are stepping into.” He said that UNA-SHU provides a space for open conversation: “Their curiosity, hospitality and civic spirit made the discussion meaningful for everyone in the room. Seton Hall students should be proud of the way they are thinking about the future. They are asking smart questions, grounding their concerns in real data and showing a maturity that gives me hope.”
Lash holds a B.A. from New York University with research focused on housing affordability in America and sustainable development under UN SDG 11.
The speaker series event underscored Seton Hall University’s emphasis on youth engagement through partnerships like those between UNA-USA and its student chapters.
