Liza Nezhyva ‘27 takes part in the 80th Annual General Assembly of the United Nations

As part of her Bard NYC internship as an Advisor at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, Liza Nezhyva ‘27 took part in the 80th Annual General Assembly of the United Nations. She assisted the Ukraine Mission by preparing for the official meetings of the Ukrainian delegation, attended the General Assembly Debates, and wrote reports on the statements of each state. Through her work, she had the opportunity to meet prominent figures including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock.

Liza says that experiencing the General Assembly gave her crucial insights into the functioning of supranational organizations: “For me the most valuable part was to see how the UN function from the inside, to see how delegates communicate with one another—how leaders and diplomats interact not only during formal debates but also informally in hallways and side meetings. I was surprised by how much relationship-building and subtle negotiation happens outside of the official session.”

In her day-to-day work as an Advisor, she monitors meetings of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council committees and commissions, and drafts reports based on the outcomes of those meetings. Liza’s role does not end there; she also prepares speeches, notes, official letters, and invitations for the Ukraine Mission to the UN on legal and human rights topics. “If there are emergency meetings called at the UN or outside, I am asked to attend them or help with the organization as well,” she adds. 

For Liza, her career within politics and advocacy is inherently tied to her Ukrainian identity. “Generally, diplomatic work includes high stakes all the time, but for Ukraine, those stakes are even higher, as the amount of Ukraine’s visibility on the international stage directly correlates to Ukraine’s existence at this moment,” she explains. She had the opportunity to attend two high-level events dedicated to Ukraine, one concerning the return of the systematically deported Ukrainian children by Russia, and the other dedicated to advancing Ukraine’s territorial integrity and calling for the deoccupation of Crimea. During these events, she was able to witness first-hand how much effort it requires for Ukraine to keep its issues visible on the international agenda. “I have nothing but respect for Ukraine’s diplomats and activists,” she adds. 

Advocacy for Ukraine has always been deeply personal to her. “When the Russian aggression against Ukraine started, my world changed, and at 18, I suddenly had to figure out how I could do at least something to help my people who are now being killed daily, and still build a future for myself at the same time,” she explains. “I have decided to connect my future career with politics and advocacy, because this was the most useful and the most impactful way for me to actually help my country and protect my people from the Russian terror, without me leaving my life behind and going on the frontline as a volunteer.” Liza is determined to keep advocating for Ukraine through the diplomatic sphere. 

This experience was made possible by Bard College Berlin’s study abroad program, which allows third-year students to study for up to two semesters at partner institutions worldwide, including Bard NYC. The Bard NYC program offers interdisciplinary coursework, a professional internship, and career exploration in the heart of New York City.

Post Date: 10-10-2025