By David Fayle, Contributing writer
Members of the newly created Binghamton University Catholic Relief Service Chapter recently traveled to the United Nations’ Church Center in Manhattan for a conference. Hosted by Fordham University, the conference honored Pope Francis’s World Day of the Poor.
Binghamton University students David Fayle, Katie Bronzi and Natalie Postilli traveled to NYC for a United Nations conference honoring Pope Francis’s World Day of the Poor.
Members heard from Ms. Brianna Fitzpatrick, Caritas Internationalis liaison to the United Nations; Dr. Henry Schwalbenberg, associate professor of economics at Fordham University; Lori Pearson, who discussed CRS efforts abroad; and a panel of local professionals in the international relations sphere around NYC.
Throughout the conference, students were able and encouraged to ask questions. This year, the conference focused on the global water crisis. Handheld reports from the Vatican on Global Poverty were distributed. After a light lunch, the BU Chapter networked with other CRS university students from across the northeast.
The conference attendees then crossed 1st Avenue and took a tour of the United Nations itself, exploring the historic venue where the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council meet. Not unnoticed were the many displays and infographics within the walls of the United Nations promoting peace and solidarity. Overall, the experience provided an invaluable opportunity for BU students to engage with global poverty issues and connect with like-minded peers in the field of international relations.
