re: Active Shooter: Brown University

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A highlight of Mustapha’s summer at the International Crisis Group came during preparations for the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week. As part of the UN Advocacy and Research Team, they helped lay the groundwork for ICG’s engagement in the High-Level week in New York—an experience that offered firsthand insight into the inner workings of international diplomacy. Even after the internship officially ended, Mustapha was invited back to attend several key meetings and connect with ICG’s president, reflecting the trust and mentorship they built during their time with the organization.

As a Palestinian refugee raised in Lebanon, Mustapha brought a deeply personal understanding of the humanitarian system to their work. Their background gave them both empathy and a critical eye for how international institutions like the UN operate—how they can transform lives, but also where they fall short. During a summer marked by overlapping global crises, Mustapha observed the UN grappling with mounting demands and limited resources due to funding cuts, yet also witnessed the persistence of individuals committed to doing good work in difficult times.

Mustapha’s role, split evenly between administrative and research responsibilities, offered a valuable balance between the practical and analytical sides of international advocacy. “It was really a great combination,” they said. They contributed to projects such as media monitoring in Arabic and policy brief preparation. Beyond improving their writing speed and attention to detail, the internship reinforced their understanding of international collaboration and everyday diplomacy.

When asked what advice they would give to future interns, Mustapha didn’t hesitate: “Ask questions—always!” They emphasized the importance of seeking mentorship, initiating coffee chats, and not letting intimidation get in the way of curiosity. For future interns, they encouraged approaching the opportunity with openness and confidence—being proactive in conversations, learning from different perspectives, and recognizing that every voice, even the newest or youngest one in the room, has value.

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