From Mi’kma’ki to Geneva: Makenzie O’Quinn’s Transformative Summer
This past summer, Makenzie O’Quinn, a 2nd yr. MA student at NPSIA, embarked on an amazing journey as a Junior Policy Analyst with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. What began as an internship evolved into an immersive experience that not only deepened his understanding of international relations, but also marked significant personal and professional growth.
Makenzie was the sole intern working on the United Nations and the Conference on Disarmament side of the mission, where he provided critical support across various teams, including health, human rights, cybersecurity, disarmament, and humanitarian affairs. “The whole time I was there,” he recalled, “there was a major international conference, almost every week,” highlighting his involvement in key events such as the World Health Assembly and the Human Rights Council. His role, while involving “grunt work” typical of internships, offered an unparalleled exposure to the workings of international diplomacy. Whether it was taking notes from Canada’s seat in high-profile meetings and at the Palais des Nations, or compiling reports for the Canadian diplomatic team, each task contributed to this immersive learning experience.
One of the most notable moments of Makenzie’s internship was delivering an intervention on behalf of Canada at the 77th World Health Assembly. Initially hesitant, Makenzie was encouraged by his team to step out of his comfort zone. “There was a moment where my brain started to catch up to the reality of what was going on… I’m delivering an intervention on behalf of my nation in front of the entire world,” he shared, reflecting on the surreal experience. With the support of his colleagues and a quick post-intervention celebration with a fellow intern, Makenzie emerged from the experience with newfound confidence and pride in his ability to contribute meaningfully on the global stage.
Beyond the technical skills and diplomatic insights gained, Makenzie emphasized the importance of relationships in his work at the UN. He was struck by how much of the multilateral work in Geneva relied on quickly building professional and personal relationships, a lesson that he carries forward into his future endeavors.
Makenzie’s time in Geneva also reinforced his academic interests, particularly in how conflict exacerbates global challenges. His upcoming research under the supervision of Jean Daudelin will focus on irregular migration and human trafficking in Latin and Central America. He intends to travel to Panama later this semester to conduct fieldwork on this subject.
As he prepares for an exchange program at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, Makenzie is eager to continue expanding his perspectives. He sees these experiences as vital to understanding the diverse viewpoints that shape international relations. “I’m just so excited for that opportunity,” he said, looking ahead to the next chapter of his academic journey.
Makenzie’s advice to fellow NPSIA students is simple: seize opportunities and enter them with an open mind, learning as much as possible along the way. His summer at the UN has not only equipped him with practical skills but also instilled in him the confidence to meet future challenges head-on. Reflecting on his time in Geneva, he likens it to a personal and professional feat, akin to running a marathon or completing a pilgrimage—challenges that, once overcome, serve as lifelong milestones.