Belen Montesinos ’28: Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations and Other International Organizations

About the Organization

The Permanent Mission of Peru in Geneva represents Peru at the Human Rights Council (HRC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other international bodies. Guided by a mission to defend and advance Peru's interests on the global stage, the Mission works through multilateral diplomacy to promote human rights, global health, intellectual property, and related policy priorities that reflect the country's foreign policy agenda.

Major Projects

During my internship, I focused on three major areas of engagement: the 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council, the Seventeenth Meeting of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, and sessions of International Committee of the Red Cross. Across these, I conducted policy and legal research, analyzed draft resolutions and negotiating texts, and helped develop Peru's positions on issues ranging from violence against women and poverty eradication to climate change, firearms regulation, freedom of expression, judicial independence, and global health governance. I also drafted and edited diplomatic statements, briefing materials, and policy documents, and supported the Mission's delegation through formal sessions, informal consultations, and intergovernmental negotiations.

Reflection

This internship confirmed my interest in pursuing a career that allows me to serve my country. I sharpened my skills in policy analysis, diplomatic writing, and negotiation, and grew more confident navigating fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Mentorship

I had the privilege of working under the guidance of Alison Urquizo, First Secretary; Vanessa Aliaga, Second Secretary; Augusto Cabrera, Minister and Deputy Permanent Representative; and H.E. Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative.

Internship funded by Peter Buck Internship Fund