Thanks to the generous support of the Charles Colvington Trust, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the United Nations Secretariat within the Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), specifically in the Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support, from August to December in New York.
During my MSc in Defence, Development, and Diplomacy, I specialised in humanitarian security, so working at UNDSS, regarded to have the most highly developed security risk management capacities in the humanitarian sphere, was a perfect match. My time there was deeply enriching and offered a firsthand perspective on the intricate and impactful work undertaken to ensure the safety of UN personnel globally. I was fortunate to contribute to initiatives aimed at protecting UN personnel and operations worldwide, including policy research, the development of training materials, and assisting in developing a tool for assessing the physical security of UN premises.
I was also fortunate to participate in training programs with the Physical Security Section, including a week-long Bomb Awareness Training Course and a Physical Security Training Course. The trainings not only sharpened my technical expertise but also gave me a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced in ensuring security in increasingly complex and politicised crises. As the global landscape becomes more precarious for humanitarian actors, the importance of preparedness of effective security risk management strategies in staying and delivering has never been more apparent.

The most poignant moments of my internship were the adoption of the General Assembly resolution addressing the “Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and the protection of United Nations personnel” (A/79/L.32) and USG Gilles Michaud’s first time addressing the Security Council. This occurred during a year that tragically saw the highest number of humanitarian workers killed in the field. While these statistics were a sobering reminder of the risks faced by humanitarians, it was inspiring to see the commitment of UNDSS staff and other UN bodies striving to improve safety and security for those who work in the most dangerous and volatile environments.
Indeed, what stood out most during my time at UNDSS was the people. I was impressed by the daily drive, commitment, and focus on continuous learning exhibited by UNDSS staff. I was struck by the mutual respect extended to interns, which fostered an incredibly supportive and professional environment. The team’s dedication to their work and ability to inspire and mentor was a defining feature of my experience.
Volunteering with the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (MALU) during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) added another layer to my internship. Assisting with managing media coverage of high-level meetings and side events offered a front-row seat to diplomacy at its highest level. Witnessing moments like Meryl Streep’s powerful remarks on the plight of women in Afghanistan was a masterclass in impactful communication. However, witnessing the human side of prominent figures you typically only see in the news was equally striking. Whether it was Prince Harry being playfully distracted by the K9 unit or President Macron taking time between events to engage with the interns volunteering, such moments highlighted the shared humanity that transcends roles and status.
Beyond the professional insights, being based at UN Headquarters was an experience in multiculturalism at its finest. Interns and staff from every corner of the globe brought unique perspectives, experiences, and approaches to the challenges we addressed. Many of my friends worked with their respective permanent missions, giving a glimpse into the diplomatic side of the UN during one of the most politically contentious periods of recent decades.
In all, my time at the United Nations was like no other. It was a privilege to work alongside such inspiring individuals and to contribute, in even a small way, to the critical mission of protecting those who serve the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Jonty Cope - January 2025