U.S. Representative to the UN Speaks with Seton Hall Students  

Ambassador Lu with the UN Field Seminar

"You cannot solve the problems of the world with government action alone" was the call to action that Ambassador Christopher P. Lu had during his visit to Seton Hall University. On Thursday, March 16, Ambassador Lu joined students from Seton Hall University for an interview by Father Brian Muzás, Ph.D., on his service at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (USUN). Ambassador Lu is the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations for UN Management and Reform and the Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Prior to his nomination by President Biden in 2021, Ambassador Lu held the position of U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor from 2014-2017. This was one of several roles that Ambassador Lu held under the Obama Administration. He served as White House Cabinet Secretary and Assistant to the President from 2009 to 2013. Ambassador Lu worked as the Legislative Director and Acting Chief of Staff for Former President Obama during his tenure as the Senator of Illinois.

Ambassador Lu pointed out that there were similarities between his role as Deputy Secretary of Labor and his current position in the UN Management and Reform Section. The Management and Reform Section represents U.S. interests in the General Assembly's Fifth Committee that oversees the administrative and fiscal aspects of the UN. The U.S. is the UN's largest donor, and Ambassador Lu wants to ensure that U.S. investments are "delivering value" through the resolutions made in the Fifth Committee and beyond. Pressing issues facing the UN need multilateral solutions, as Ambassador Lu explained.

Dr. Brian Muzás, Ambassador Lu, and Anca DiGiacomo

Graduate student Zane Cawthon stated, "It was enlightening to hear from Ambassador Lu, who was gracious enough to give us an inside look on what life is like on the inside at the United Nations." This notion was paralleled by undergraduate Anthony Samaniego, who said, "I got to hear from the source itself on the US's work at the UN, their achievements, mistakes, and how to seek to engage more with their opposing counterparts."

Following the interview, Ambassador Lu and his colleague Anca DiGiacomo, Senior Advisor and U.S. Delegate to the UN, engaged in a private discussion with the United Nations Field Seminar class. Anca DiGiacomo is an alumna of the Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy and International Relations from the class of 2010. Ambassador Lu directed several student questions to Ms. DiGiacomo, especially those related to career advice. Ms. DiGiacomo completed an internship at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs during her time as a School of Diplomacy student.

The opportunity to gain insight into both Ambassador Lu and Ms. DiGiacomo's careers was appreciated by students. Joline Makhlouf Rukab, a graduate student and UN Field Seminar Participant, stated, "I truly enjoyed Ambassador Lu's visit. He was generous with his time and gave us a wealth of information about the inner dynamics of working in a public office. I most appreciated that he did not sugarcoat anything and shared helpful career tips and advice."

Ambassador Lu and Ms. DiGiacomo's visit to Seton Hall's campus has proven to be impactful for students. This event was made possible by the coordination of the USUN and the sponsorship of the Center for UN and Global Governance Studies.

Categories: Nation and World