In the Rooms Where Decisions Are Made

The 2025–2026 Fox Fellows’ visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City is part of an annual tradition that offers students an opportunity to engage directly with global institutions and international policy in practice. This year, Fellows explored several of the UN’s most iconic and historically significant spaces, including the Security Council and Trusteeship Council chambers. Walking through these rooms provided a powerful, tangible connection to the deliberations that shape global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution at the highest level, deepening their appreciation for the institutional foundations of international cooperation.

During their time at the UN, the Fellows also participated in thoughtful discussions about the organization’s ongoing work and its evolving role in addressing complex global challenges. They examined how the UN navigates issues such as peacekeeping, sustainable development, and multilateral collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world. Archival footage of landmark moments in the UN’s history further enriched the experience, offering a vivid look at pivotal efforts to advance dialogue, cooperation, and peace among nations.

Together, these experiences strengthened the Fellows’ understanding of the UN’s founding mission to promote global peace and security, while also encouraging reflection on their own potential to contribute to that mission. Inspired by what they observed and discussed, the Fellows left with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, considering how their academic, professional, and personal paths might intersect with broader efforts to build a more cooperative and just world.

The day concluded with a shared group meal at a local restaurant, rounding out the experience with time for informal conversation and connection. The Fellows then traveled back to New Haven via Metro-North, enjoying the spring weather and reflecting on the day’s insights as the journey home brought the visit to a close.