For the 2nd consecutive year, Iona University students will be spending their semester interning at the United Nations in New York City. Ian, Laila, and Kaelen are enrolled in an Independent Study Program at Iona that gives them access to the UN properties by means of an Edmund Rice International affiliation. Each received accreditation with the UN Economic and Social Council via a Grounds Pass to allow ease of access to the working areas of delegate conference halls . The students are enrolled in “CDS 1196” for the spring semester.

his is an independent study offered through the Office of Mission & Ministry and the Iona partnership with Edmund Rice International. The Edmund Rice International Independent Study provides students with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the United Nationals Human Rights Council and its work, through partnership with Edmund Rice International at the United Nations. Students will develop an understanding of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms through liaising with Edmund Rice International’s Staff and Board Members, attending the Religious at the UN Committee Meetings, and conducting research related to the Universal Periodic Review Process.

Students will have Ground Passes to attend U.N. sessions, and Religious at the U.N. (RUN) sessions during the months of February, March and April 2026. Additionally, students will also have the opportunity to liaise via Zoom with Edmund Rice International’s staff members and Advocacy Coordinators from the international Edmund Rice Network to learn about different human rights concerns around the globe. Students will also be linked with the Thomas Berry Forum for Ecological Dialogue and the Deignan Institute for Earth and Spirit at Iona to support their UN studies.