Lunch & Roundtable Discussion With Union Alumnus and United Nations Peacekeeping Staff in Ethiopia Cullen Barrie (‘12)
Join us at Union Theological Seminary for an engaging Student Lunch & Learn event, hosted by the Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice (CCESJ). This is a unique opportunity to meet Cullen Barrie, Special Assistant and Political Affairs Officer for the United Nations.
During this informal session, Cullen Barrie will share insights into his role at the United Nations, delve into pressing global challenges, and reflect on how his work connects to social justice initiatives. Students will also have the chance to ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration for their own paths toward meaningful social impact.
Whether you’re passionate about international politics, community engagement, or envisioning justice on a global scale, this Lunch & Learn is for you. Plus, enjoy a delicious meal and connect with fellow students who share your interests!
Date & Time:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
AD 30, Union Theological Seminary
3041 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
Our Featured Guest:
Cullen Barrie works at the intersection of humanitarian coordination, crisis response, and public policy, currently serving in a leadership support role with the UN in Ethiopia. He is the Special Assistant to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, where he facilitates coordination among 26 UN agencies, the Government of Ethiopia, NGOs, and diplomatic missions. Prior to this, he supported stabilization and protection efforts as Special Assistant to the Head of the Field Office in Malakal, South Sudan, as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (UNMISS).
Before entering the international field, Cullen spent over a decade in New York City politics. He served as a community liaison for both the Manhattan Borough President and the City Council, leading housing advocacy efforts and supporting underserved communities. He later managed multiple election campaigns, overseeing strategy, staffing, and voter outreach for state and local candidates. This first act of his career instilled in him a deep commitment to grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and public service.
Cullen holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, where he focused on early church history and theology, and a Master of Science in International Affairs from The New School, concentrating on conflict and security. Throughout both phases of his career, Cullen has worked to bridge different worlds—connecting institutions, communities, and ideas to address complex challenges in moments of crisis and change.