Five Questions With Muneera Al-Attiya, UN Youth Delegate
Meet Class of 2028 Culture and Politics major Muneera Al-Attiya.
She spent the fall semester in New York navigating the halls of the United Nations, sitting in on high-level meetings, engaging with global policymakers, and representing Qatar on one of the world’s most influential stages.
As one of just six official Qatar Youth Delegates selected nationwide, Muneera was chosen to represent the State of Qatar at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September, an opportunity that placed her at the center of international diplomacy.
Muneera was part of Qatar’s inaugural United Nations Youth Delegates Program, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designed to prepare young Qataris to contribute meaningfully to global decision-making. The highly competitive summer program drew 52 delegates from across the country for intensive training in diplomacy, international development, negotiation, media engagement, and UN protocols, with placements in Doha and New York. From this group, six were selected to serve as Qatar’s official Youth Delegates—including Muneera, and fellow GU-Q students Noor Al-Thani, Class of 2026, and Fatima Almohannadi, Class of 2029.
In this Q&A, Muneera reflects on her semester working at the UN, what it meant to represent Qatar on the global stage, and the lessons she gained from engaging with international leaders.
What was your role at the Assembly as an official delegate?
I took on the role of a foreign affairs representative behind the scenes. I worked on drafting reports and recording different country positions. I was tasked with looking at issues relating to the Fourth Committee, called the Special Political and Decolonization Committee.
Who were your mentors during the program, and what did they teach you?
One of my key mentors was Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN in New York. She offered invaluable insights into the world of diplomacy and was an inspiring role model throughout my experience. She even congratulated me on being the youngest Qatari to ever serve as a delegate in the UN annual general assembly meetings!
What skills were the most useful during this experience?
I drew on my communication skills, and refined the art of representing my country’s stance rather than just my own opinions. In a setting like the UN, it’s crucial to remember that you’re there to be a representative of your country, so you have to be mindful of what you say and how you engage in conversations. Sometimes people might open up topics informally, and it’s important to keep things diplomatic or clarify that you’re not in a position to give an official stance on certain topics.
Another key skill was listening. Understanding what other countries are saying and really absorbing their perspectives is vital.
What was one of your biggest takeaways from the experience at the UN? Do you have a favorite moment or interaction you will always remember?
One of my biggest takeaways was seeing firsthand how global diplomacy works and how impactful it can be, as well as seeing side discussions that aren’t always shown publicly. My favorite moment was probably just being in the General Assembly hall for the first time and realizing I was part of something I’d always dreamed of since I was little. I always visualized myself there.
What would you advise your peers to develop to be successful on international platforms like this?
Always remember your role and your purpose in these international settings. You’re there as a representative, and that mindset will guide how you communicate and carry yourself.