HEC ONU in New York City

From April 6 to 12, 16 students from the HEC ONU association were in NYC for the National Model United Nations (NMUN), which promotes understanding of the workings of the UN and contemporary global issues. As a further highlight of the trip, they were welcomed at the French Permanent Mission to the UN for a unique exchange with HEC alumni diplomats, organized with the support of Vincent Muzelle, Director of HEC Paris Office in the US.

Raphaël Maringe (H.27), head of the association, Priscille Durieu (H.27), in charge of organizing the trip, and their fellow students, are interested in international relations, geopolitics and diplomacy. Starting in September 2024, in addition to representing HEC at the NMUN, they set high ambitions for their term: the "International Negotiation" Academy in Abidjan in January, and the "Forum Jeunesse Océan" ahead of the United Nations Ocean Summit in the city of Nice in June.

"The MUN in New York City was an opportunity for us to compare our theoretical courses with the practical realities of a diplomat's job. We were able to appreciate the realities on the ground, from disagreements during negotiations to the difficult exercise of compromise."

Raphaël Maringe (H.27), M1 student and president of the HEC ONU club

Hands-on experience of diplomacy in a highly symbolic setting

In the United Nations General Assembly Hall, they represented and defended Mauritania's position on major issues such as women's rights, sustainable development and the non-proliferation of chemical weapons. They co-drafted and passed several resolutions, and above all developed their negotiation and public speaking skills.

HEC students rubbed shoulders with students from other French institutions (ESSEC, EDHEC, ESCP and Science Po), European institutions (St. Gallen) and American Ivy League institutions such as Yale, in their place of residence and in the UN buildings. Beyond the academic aspect of the event, they shared a strong human adventure, marked by rigor and team spirit.

"HEC Paris proudly stands for open dialogue in business, diplomacy, and international relations."

Vincent Muzelle, Director of the HEC Representative Office in the US

Meeting with diplomats at the Permanent Representation of France to the United Nations

Thanks to Vincent Muzelle's support, the students were wlecomed by Jay Dharmadhikari, Deputy Permanent Representative, and several diplomats, all HEC alumni, at the French Permanent Mission. Their day-to-day role is crucial: they represent France in UN instances, monitor their work, inform national authorities and defend French positions, in consultation with our European partners.

French Permanent Mission diplomats and HEC alumni meet HEC ONU students

Discussions focused on the multilateral diplomacy process: the Mission's role in conveying France's voice on major international issues, the preparation of bilateral and multilateral negotiations, and current issues of peace, security, human rights and climate. The students were also able to address all their questions to these alumni who chose to join the Quai d'Orsay (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) after their studies at HEC.

The group returned to France with an informed vision of diplomatic careers, and a stronger motivation to carry the values of HEC to the world.