Jane Cohen

Sergio Vieira de Mello Endowed Visiting Chair in the Practice of Post-conflict Diplomacy
School of Diplomacy and International Relations

Ms. Jane Cohen will join Seton Hall University's School of Diplomacy and International Relations as the Sergio Vieira de Mello Endowed Visiting Chair in the Practice of Post-conflict Diplomacy for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Ms. Cohen draws on her extensive background in energy, environmental health, public health, and human rights. While working for the Human Rights Watch's Health, and Human Rights Division from 2007 to 2015, Ms. Cohen used her investigative research skills to develop environment and human rights initiatives, conducted international advocacy on public health and environment issues, and served as the primary representative for a key NGO in the global mercury treaty negotiations.

Ms. Cohen is the current Executive Director for the Governor's Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. Ms. Cohen has worked at the Chinese Center for Disease Control, community development and environmental organizations. In addition to her research, Ms. Cohen built and managed relations with leaders and local citizens, created outreach campaigns, produced multimedia media pieces, and provided expertise in academic settings, community events, and media interviews.

Ms. Cohen's duties as the Mello Visiting Chair include guest lecturing in classes, delivering a public lecture on the environment, holding sessions with students on human rights, the environment, and government policy writing exercises, and advising students on career and networking.

The Sergio Vieira de Mello Endowed Visiting Chair in the Practice of Post-conflict Diplomacy was established in honor of Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN Diplomat, killed in the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, Iraq, along with 20 other members of his staff on August 19, 2003, while working as the Secretary-General's Special Representative. Mr. de Mello had a long and distinguished career with the United Nations and is remembered for his influential work to promote peace, human rights, and humanitarian aid.