Though members of the Fairfield community are known for their academic accomplishments, not many can say they have helped shape foreign policy. But that is exactly what Fr. Richard Ryscavage, has done over the past month.
In early September, Ryscavage was appointed to the Holy See, a delegation that represents the Vatican at the United Nations General Assembly. The Assembly convenes each year in New York to discuss issues.
Ryscavage, sociology professor and director of the Center for Faith and Public Life, has already attended several meetings at the UN. The first meeting, a special two-day event titled “High Level Dialogue on Migration,” took place during the second week of September.
Over the two days, each of the 191- member countries made a statement on the discussion topic. By way of headset and translator, Ryscavage listened to various speeches, taking notes on countries with similar dilemmas.
Looking back on the experience, Ryscavage recalled how every country seemed to have a problem with migration dealing with refugees.
“It was interesting to see the whole world’s view,” he said.
Though his main job was to note varying positions on migration, he also met with representatives from countries such as Belgium. According to Ryscavage, these informal meetings are very common at the General Assembly.
“Everyone goes to one another” to clarify certain ideas or ask for more information on a particular subject, he said. Usually this occurs in outside meeting rooms, but occasionally in the General Assembly itself.
Ryscavage spent the next two weeks in meetings led by all the different heads of state. Each year in the fall, leaders come together to share their visions of the UN and begin another session.
The high-profile names, countless reporters and overall media buzz make events like these pretty crazy, he said.
“It was hard to do usual business,” said Ryscavage.
Life in the General Assembly will not be as hectic during October, but Ryscavage still has responsibilities. He must check in with the Holy See and determine its priorities for the upcoming weeks.
Regardless of the meetings he will report on, Ryscavage’s main goal is clear.
As a representative of the Vatican, he said he always strives to “bring in moral values and humanitarian concerns – things the government doesn’t usually think of.”
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