Students visit United Nations
Students in the Monsignor Farrell Institute for Law and Public Policy were given the opportunity to tour the United Nations on March 13.
Future leaders in the Institute for Law and Public Policy get unique U.N. experience
Global conflicts occur. World Wars. From assassinations to atrocious holocaust. To reconstruct and avoid conflicts like these, a entity must emerge. An international organization.
In 1945, the United Nations emerged as an effort to fulfill their mission of peace and security. Eighty years later, Monsignor Farrell Students had the opportunity to visit their headquarters in New York on behalf of the Monsignor Farrell Institute for Law and Public Policy.
The United Nations building is unique as it isn't just the construction of one person —rather a collection of countries. Filled with history, the trip began with the process of creating and receiving the passes needed to enter the building. Upon entering the 18-acre land donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1946, the air changed.
The flags of 195 nations were lined up in lines as statues were displayed. Although it was a lengthy process to get access as a guest, the collection of art from numerous countries left their viewers stupefied.
Farrell students stand alongside Charles Destefano (center), '79, Alumni Director of the Institute for Law & Public Policy and the President of the Staten Island Trial Lawyers Association.
As the group was led by a tour guide, the students were led to the first room, the Security Council Chamber. As informed by the guide, each room was gifted by nations, specifically the design inside. The Security Council Chamber contained comfy chairs and an intricate wall design.
In front of the dark blue background, the gold-lined pattern contained wheat, hearts, and anchors. The wheat represents prosperity, the heart represents faith, and the anchor represents hope. The chamber was a gift from Norway.
From the Security Council Chamber, the students walked to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). With Sweden written all over it, the eye catcher was the orange and white curtains. Orange and White triangles faces each other, displaying that no matter who sat or where they sat, each member had the same voice — the same power.
Students pose in front of the United Nations flag.
Leaving arguably the best room for last, the students entered the room known as the General Assembly. The organ of the United Nations was a collectively built room. From the Cuban gold to the Brazilian marble, all nations contributed to the grand work the students had the chance to lay their eyes on.
Once more, this marvelous trip wasn’t just staff-led but student-led. John Coletti, '25, rose to the occasion as he connected with multiple members to organize the unique experience.
A big thank you to Coletti, moderator Mr. Franz, and Alumni Director Charles DeStefano, '79, for providing the unique opportunity for the young men of Farrell.
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