Zuleyha Cite, originally from Istanbul, Türkiye, earned her B.A. in International Relations from Marmara University’s Faculty of Political Science in June 2024. She is currently a second-year M.A. student in Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, specializing in International Organizations. Her academic interests center on international peace and security, with a particular focus on United Nations studies, where she is dedicated to promoting global stability, human security, and multilateral cooperation.
At Seton Hall, Zuleyha is deeply engaged in campus life. She serves as a Graduate Assistant for the School of Diplomacy’s Social Media Team, the Social Media Editor for the Seton Hall Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, and the social media Director for the United Nations Association of Seton Hall (UNA-SHU). Beyond the university, she currently interns with the Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly (UNCPGA), gaining invaluable experience in international diplomacy.
The UNCPGA is an affiliated body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that supports the President of the UNGA, preserves the institutional memory of the Office of the President, and advances multilateralism through a revitalized General Assembly. Composed of all living former Presidents of the UNGA along with the current President as an ex officio member, the Council serves as a Global Leadership Forum and a repository of diplomatic expertise.
For Zuleyha, interning at the UNCPGA represents a unique opportunity that directly aligns with her specialization in International Organizations. Her coursework at Seton Hall provided a strong foundation in UN systems, global governance, and international cooperation, which she now applies in a real-world context. Her responsibilities include preparing briefing materials and analytical documents, drafting talking points for senior officials, coordinating communications and outreach, managing digital content, and summarizing high-level conferences and meetings.
In September 2025, Zuleyha participated in the Council’s Annual Meeting in New York, held during High-Level Political Week at the UN. The meeting attended by nine former Presidents of the General Assembly culminated in the adoption of the UN80 Declaration, which calls for renewed UN reform to address the complex peace and security challenges of the 21st century. As part of the preparation process, Zuleyha conducted extensive research on UN reform history and the UN80 Initiative launched by Secretary-General António Guterres. During the meeting, she contributed to the drafting and updating of the declaration text in real time and supported its adoption process, while also assisting with communications and operational logistics.
Her work at the UNCPGA has provided Zuleyha with firsthand experience in high-level diplomatic procedures and collaboration with seasoned global leaders. Meeting distinguished figures, including the current President of the General Assembly, H.E. Annalena Baerbock, was a particularly memorable highlight.
This internship has reinforced Zuleyha’s commitment to pursuing a career in international diplomacy and within the United Nations system. Her dedication to fostering cooperation, peace, and understanding continues to shape her academic and professional journey, one rooted in the values and training of the Seton Hall School of Diplomacy and International Relations.
