By Gigi Schadrack ’25 and Andrei Iosifescu ’26, LISD International Policy Associate

This past summer, the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD)’s initiative and generous support enabled Gigi and Andrei to work for the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United Nations (UN). Fully integrated into the delegation, they were assigned numerous responsibilities: daily reporting on UN meetings and negotiations in their specific coverage areas, including staff briefing on recent topical developments; drafting speeches for Liechtenstein’s Permanent Representative; and assisting visiting dignitaries. Gigi was also entrusted with the Economic and Social Council portfolio and with oversight of the Global Digital Compact (planned to be endorsed at the landmark UN Summit of the Future, in September 2024). Andrei monitored the activities of the Security Council and the intergovernmental deliberations on the forthcoming Pact for the Future. Both the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for the Future aim to bolster the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals, strengthen global governance, and establish an inclusive framework to overcome digital, data, and innovation divides. 

The internships presented an unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of high-level diplomacy, the styles and subtexts of official statements, and the often-underappreciated informal negotiations that nonetheless fortify the international order. Moreover, at a time of intense, escalating geopolitical tension and conflicts—when respect for international and humanitarian law and greater accountability for violations of them are crucially needed, and when the United Nations seem increasingly disunited and paralyzed—Gigi and Andrei were honored to contribute to Liechtenstein’s efforts to uphold international justice, foster multilateral cooperation, and reform UN working methods.

Gigi’s work enhanced her research, analytical capabilities, and communication skills, and also granted her invaluable cross-cultural competence, understanding of international law and policies, and the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic environment. The experience further allowed her to build a global network of professionals and collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds. As she is particularly interested in science and technology policy, the internship was instrumental in shedding light on the role of international human rights law in shaping global governance for emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Gigi aims to incorporate this broader perspective on the importance of upholding human rights amidst global technological proliferation in her senior thesis, which is focused on balancing innovation and regulation in robotics (specifically, considering the dual-use nature of emerging technologies), and throughout her future career, whether in the private tech industry or the public diplomatic sector.

Andrei’s internship experience similarly informed his research interests and prospective professional trajectory. He is writing a junior paper on the interwar League of Nations, and his now more robust understanding of that organization’s successor will prove invaluable. In the future, he is also eager to explore in depth the histories and jurisprudence of the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice; both handed down historic arrest warrants and landmark verdicts during the internships. Separately, as current Deputy Captain of Princeton’s Model United Nations Team, Andrei is delighted to share his newfound knowledge of sophisticated diplomatic strategies and lesser-known UN procedures with younger students.

Gigi’s favorite recollection of her experience is of delivering statements on behalf of Liechtenstein during negotiations for an international treaty on cybercrime: after witnessing the intricate problem solving and tireless efforts required to find compromise for the sake of international cooperation, it was rewarding for her to witness the treaty’s adoption by consensus. Andrei found crafting speeches on some of the most consequential conflicts of our time (in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan) to be especially enlightening and sobering. As the descendant of Eastern European émigrés, he also relished witnessing heated exchanges between Russian and Ukrainian diplomats, and principled international pushback during a meeting chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

We will both treasure the memories of our experiences at the Permanent Mission and are deeply grateful to LISD for creating this amazing opportunity for Princeton students and partially funding this incomparable internship, as well as for supporting our candidacies.