On its 75th anniversary, and amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations will for the first time convene world leaders in a virtual format to seek action and solutions for a world in crisis. United Nations Academic Impact produced a special series of videos to introduce you to people who work behind the scenes of the UNGA to make what has been called the World Cup of Diplomacy possible each year.  We also wanted to showcase some of the many careers available in international affairs and highlight the role of multilingualism in personal and professional development. The interviewees range from the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General to interpreters for different languages to a Senior Protocol Officer to the Chief of Safety and Security.  We hope you enjoy this peak behind the curtain of the UNGA and these videos spark ideas about your future career path!

Arabic

Ashraf Hassan, Public Information Assistant within the Arabic Language Unit of the UN Social Media team, talks about using new media platforms to reach a growing audience around the world. 

 

Chinese

Huang Yi joined the United Nations in 2016 as an interpreter for Chinese at the UN in New York and he describes how he handles the intense workload and what it takes to be successful in a fast-paced, challenging environment.  

 

English

Mélida Buendía is a Senior Spanish Interpreter who has been with the UN since 2000.  She describes what it feels like to have her voice heard on the world stage during the busiest time of year at the United Nations and some of the highlight of her nearly 20 years with the organization. 

Stéphane Dujarric serves as the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, a position he has occupied since 2014.  Stéphane 

describes why the UNGA is unlike any other event in the world, and why he thinks he has the best job in the building!

Hans Grohmann is a Senior Protocol Officer in the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management.  This is his 25th UN General Assembly and he shares the key to welcoming dignitaries from around the world.  

Flora NDucha is the Chief of UN News in Kiswahili and she tells us how she landed her dream job and how important it is to be able to be a key source of information regarding the work of the UN to Kiswahili speakers in Africa. 

Kevin O'Hanlon is the Deputy Chief of the Department of Security and Safety Services whose challenge is to keep visiting dignitaries and UN staff safe.  

Yoshita Singh has been the chief correspondent for the Press Trust of India at the United Nations since 2011 and she says the job presents challenges as well as historic moments she will never forget.  

 

French

Louise Szymoniak is a French interpreter who was convinced to pursue a career as an interpreter by Nicole Kidman and has career advice for anyone wishing to work in this field. 

 

Russian

Irina Andreeva, an international correspondent for RIA Novosti, describes the hectic pace during the UN General Assembly, but says her curiosity and passion for the job make it all worthwhile.   

 

Spanish

Mélida Buendía is a Senior Spanish Interpreter who has been with the UN since 2000.  She describes what it feels like to have her voice heard on the world stage during the busiest time of year at the United Nations and some of the highlight of her nearly 20 years with the organization. 

 

Follow UNGA

Behind the Scenes of the United Nations General Assembly: Stéphane Dujarric Spokesperson of the SG