STU Grad Represents Canada at World Health Organization in Geneva

Emily Miller (BA’20) delivered a statement on behalf of Canada at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board on the Disability Inclusion Act. In her remarks at the Geneva sessions, she highlighted the WHO's efforts on the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy and identified areas for progress. 

 

Miller is pursuing a Master of Arts in Global Governance at the University of Waterloo’s Balsillie School of International Affairs. As part of the program, she completed an internship with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva. This experience exposed her to issues in global health, humanitarian affairs, migration, climate change, cybersecurity, and multilateralism.    

 

“It's been a steep learning curve, but really interesting to learn and observe how the UN works,” she said.   

 

“I felt very fortune for this opportunity. The statement was developed with my colleagues in the capital,” said Miller who acknowledged the invaluable support she received from the Mission's Health Team, enabling her to gain experience and develop skills.  

 

Studying International Relations and Human Rights at STU  

 

Miller holds a double honours Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Human Rights from STU which she believes played a pivotal role in understanding global issues and shaping her post-graduation goals. 

 

“Human Rights is idealistic — this is what we want for the world —whereas International Relations is realistic — this is what the world really looks like. Pursuing both helped me balance those two perspectives,” she said.   

 

Miller commended STU's learning environment, which greatly facilitated her studies. She also appreciated the smaller class sizes as it allowed for meaningful discussions with both friends and professors.   

 

“Talking about what you're reading and what you're learning with your friends can be just as important as talking with your professors,” she said.   

 

Outside the classroom, Miller actively participated in extracurriculars at STU, including Model United Nations and Global Brigades, providing her with an enriching educational experience. “There are so many opportunities to learn at STU beyond the classroom, she said.  

 

“A pivotal moment for my career”   

 

As an undergraduate STUdent, Miller interned for the provincial government, gaining academic credit and professional experience through the Human Rights Internship Program, which led to a full-time job as a Policy Analyst for the Department of Post-secondary Education.  

 

The Internship program was a pivotal moment in her early career, setting her up for success in her current endeavours. “It showed me the skills I needed to succeed and opened up a world of possibilities,” she said.  

 

Human Rights Program  

 

The Human Rights Program at St. Thomas University is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada, and the only stand-alone Human Rights program in the country.