University of Sharjah students Humaid Hamad Alawadi and Rashid Ali Binjersh Alsuwaidi completed a four-week internship at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva. Taking place during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the internship allowed both students to apply their International Relations studies in a professional diplomatic environment.

During their internship, Humaid and Rashid attended Human Rights Council sessions, interactive dialogues, informal negotiations, ambassadorial meetings and high-level side events. Their responsibilities included conducting policy and legal research, analysing draft resolutions, preparing briefing notes and reporting on the positions presented by Member States, international organizations and civil society representatives.

Their work covered important global issues such as the right to education, racism, climate change and human rights, humanitarian access, the protection of healthcare in armed conflict, women’s participation in digital and cybersecurity-related fields, extreme poverty, internally displaced persons and the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.

A major highlight of the internship was that both students independently drafted and delivered official statements on behalf of the United Arab Emirates before the international community at the Human Rights Council. This responsibility gave them first-hand experience in diplomatic writing, public speaking and national representation. Standing before delegates from around the world and presenting the UAE’s positions was an important achievement that both students will always carry with great pride.

They also attended informal consultations on several draft resolutions and observed how delegations proposed amendments, defended national positions and worked towards consensus. In addition, they participated in meetings involving the Arab Group, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, gaining a deeper understanding of regional coordination and multilateral negotiation.

Beyond the Human Rights Council, Humaid and Rashid attended the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, where they joined the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority exhibition booth and engaged with representatives from governments, universities, international organizations and technology institutions. The summit introduced them to the growing connection between diplomacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital governance.

During the summit, they met H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and Dr. Hoda A. Alkhzaimi, Director of the Center for Cyber Security at NYU Abu Dhabi. They also shared a memorable engagement with H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and H.E. Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh at the World Intellectual Property Organization. Their programme also included events connected to international humanitarian law and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The internship was completed under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva. His mentorship, professionalism, humility and dedication to public service provided both students with an inspiring example of diplomatic leadership. They are also sincerely grateful to the entire Mission team for their guidance, trust and willingness to involve them in meaningful diplomatic responsibilities.

This experience connected their academic studies at the University of Sharjah with the realities of international diplomacy. It strengthened their research, writing, public speaking and analytical skills while deepening their passion for international relations and public service. Humaid and Rashid concluded their internship with valuable professional experience and a stronger commitment to representing and serving the United Arab Emirates internationally.