Bryant students at UN session. Photo ©Prof. Alex Perullo 2018
From left, MiaLynne Park, Claire Gracia, and Jenny Mitchell were three of the Bryant Global Studies students who attended the panel discussion held at the United Nations. Photo ©Prof. Alex Perullo 2018
At U.N., Bryant students see policy making and professor at work
Jul 24, 2018, by Staff Writer
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Four Global Studies majors recently experienced where the Bryant faculty's highly regarded expertise and mentoring could take them: to the United Nations in New York City.

Andrea Boggio, J.S.D., Professor of Legal Studies, participated in a panel discussion at the United Nations on state-of-the-art developments in science and their link to human rights. In addition, as one of the panel's organizers, he made sure the special session included an invitation to his students — the only college students invited to attend to listen as the conversation unfolded.

Exclusive front-row seats to U.N. dialogue

Boggio is an expert on science governance, particularly as it pertains to the human right to science—or the right of all to benefit from scientific advancement. His research informs his work as a board member of Luca Coscioni Association, an advocacy group based in Italy. Working in concert with the Italian Mission to the U.N., he and his Luca Coscioni Association colleagues in collaboration with the American Association of the Advancement of Science called for a special session to continue a dialogue on developing a comprehensive interpretation of the right to science, which is currently being drafted by the U.N. for approval in 2019. 

“I was an observer of an important discussion and I would not have had this opportunity without Global Studies at Bryant.”

The four Global Studies students from the University listened as history unfolded. The panel’s dialogue pushed the U.N. toward useful developments in exploring the right to science. Boggio spoke about establishing an index to document how nations use their laws meant to protect the right.

WATCH THE U.N. VIDEO

Then, after the session and as part of their two-day trip, the students visited the offices of the research and advocacy NGO Human Rights Watch as well as the law firm ReedSmith. The first visit focused on building an international coalition to support the right, and the significance of defining key ideas for progress. The meeting at the law firm touched upon the integration of social impact with private and public equity funds. Two Bryant professors – Professor Alex Perullo, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor Katie Alidadi, Ph.D. – accompanied Boggio and the students throughout the trip, debriefing the students on the experiences as they went.

A transformational—and vital —experience

The students felt the trip made a lasting impact. Claire Gracia '18, said, “I was an observer of an important discussion and I would not have had this opportunity without Global Studies at Bryant.” She continued, “I learned about the organizations in class but it was completely different to see it in real life. I want to work in international development and could see myself working in an organization like Human Rights Watch.”

MiaLynne Park '18 added, “It was impressive to see the collaboration of individuals to develop and advocate for the right to science. Overall, the two-day trip was the type of opportunity that I think is vital to every student’s academic experience. The department offered us students unforgettable experiences and I’m excited to see where my Global Studies major will take me.”

 

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