Last month, Neve Walker, a junior at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, participated in the United Nations’ Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha, Qatar. Representing both Seton Hall and the Enact Earth Foundation, Walker joined other delegates to discuss key global issues.
The summit focused on reaffirming commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and advancing the UN’s 2030 Agenda. Attendees included high-level UN officials, heads of state, government representatives, advocacy groups, and students. Topics addressed during plenary meetings and roundtables included poverty eradication, employment opportunities, social inclusion, ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI), youth participation in decision-making processes, and gender equity.
“My experience at the Summit was truly transformative,” Walker said. “Being in Doha provided an invaluable opportunity to learn, network and even practice my Arabic in a real regional context.”
Walker attended sessions that examined AI-driven solutions for global challenges and women’s empowerment. One session she found especially significant was titled “Invest in Women and Girls to Drive Meaningful Change Across All Sustainable Development Goals,” led by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. The discussion highlighted efforts to protect girls in conflict zones and addressed sexual violence as a weapon of war. Walker described the program as “powerful and deeply moving,” adding that “Across the Summit, the biggest themes that emerged were the need for ethical AI governance, stronger youth participation in decision-making and gender equity as a driving force of all sustainable development efforts.”
As vice president of the United Nations Association of Seton Hall (UNA-SHU), Walker has worked to raise awareness about the UN’s work on campus through events and student engagement initiatives. She credits her education at Seton Hall with preparing her for international diplomacy: “The School of Diplomacy prepared me academically, professionally and personally in my path towards UN Studies. My coursework in international relations, human rights and ethics equipped me with the theoretical grounding to understand the deeper issues discussed at the Summit.”
Walker has also participated in experiential learning opportunities such as Model UN conferences, writing for student publications like The Diplomatic Envoy, attending assemblies such as AFS Youth Assembly, and serving within UNA-SHU leadership roles. She noted that these experiences have strengthened her research, communication, and leadership skills.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Walker encouraged other students interested in diplomacy to seek support from faculty members and peers while taking advantage of practical experiences through internships or conferences. Her involvement within UNA-SHU highlights opportunities available due to Seton Hall’s partnership with the United Nations Association of the U.S.A., which grants students special access to UN-related programs.
