By Reet Hardik Desai, Student in the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program, School of Professional Studies
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, I had the opportunity to visit the United Nations General Assembly Hall along with my fellow classmates from the Masters of Science Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program (NECR) at Columbia University School of Professional Studies. We attended the Pledge for Peace Youth Empowerment Forum as guests of Professor Beth Fisher-Yoshida. The theoretical models we study at school became very real as we stood in that historic chamber with 1,000 student activists and world leaders. The day provided an insightful look at how peacebuilding is moving away from formal discourse and toward active, evidence-based responsibilities for those of us interested in the relationship between youth development and economics.
Spending the day at the UN provided an invaluable practitioner’s perspective on how global narratives are constructed. Even though we frequently study conflict analysis and dynamical systems in our classroom, watching these ideas come to life in the General Assembly Hall made our course material more relatable. Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste, the discussion focused on the notion that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility.
Students in the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program attended the Pledge for Peace Youth Empowerment Forum as guests of Professor Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Ph.D., Professor of Practice, M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
The afternoon began with formal leadership addresses, including remarks from Jesuino Alves, Deputy Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the UN, and Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. After the introductory remarks, White House Correspondent to Africa Hariana Veras conducted an engaging youth panel. Three young leaders talked about what it means to be an engaged peacemaker. One of the panelists, Sandrine Amahoro, described peace as a state where what governs us is love instead of fear, which reflects the active compassion and emotional intelligence needed in conflict resolution.
The forum's focal point was a stirring Pledge for Peace signing ceremony in which authorities and participants solemnly pledged to promote world peace in their daily lives. A series of lively cultural performances marked the event's conclusion, which was appropriate given that peace is a global goal. We heard the rhythmic beat of African drums, a beautiful string quartet, traditional Korean drums, and a moving vocal performance of "Rise Up." This combination of official diplomatic commitments and vibrant artistic expression demonstrated how institutional backing and grassroots community involvement are essential for peacebuilding.
This visit has played an important role in shaping the way I view my graduate journey. I have discovered that meaningful youth inclusion calls for more than just a table invitation, it also calls for the technical know-how to lead with honor and the empathy to care without passing judgment. I hope this serves as a reminder to my fellow students and prospective students that our time at NECR is a bridge to these international stages, where we can convert our education into significant contributions to society.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution prepares students to analyze the root causes and dynamics of conflict and to transform disputes through reasoned and resourceful interventions. The program focuses on developing self-awareness, tenacity, and interpersonal competency; building common ground; opening lines of communication; ensuring representation and recognition, and building sustainable possibilities for resolution.
The application deadline for the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program is May 1. The program has on-campus and online (with residency) modality options. Learn more about the program here.
