Two Bronx Community College students participated as panelists at the United Nations Headquarters on May 26 during the 2026 Africa Day Commemoration, contributing to a global discussion on sustainable water access and sanitation in Africa. 

Christian Ibegblum (Nursing) and Kabama Ceesay (Health Sciences) were invited to speak by the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), a longtime BCC global partner. The conference focused on the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems” and examined the critical role clean water plays in advancing health, education and gender equality throughout the continent. 

As members of a university student panel that included participants from Texas Southern University, Ibegblum and Ceesay shared their perspectives on the importance of water accessibility in African communities. Both students drew on their personal experiences, with Ibegblum from Nigeria and Ceesay from The Gambia. 

“By supporting clean water in Africa, we also strengthen other systems such as education and general health care,” said Ceesay. 

The opportunity marked the first visit to the United Nations for both students. “I always dreamed of visiting the U.N. and being part of the global effort to improve the world,” said Ibegblum. 

The visit was coordinated by Gene Adams, BCC’s Director of Collaborative Education, who has organized student engagement opportunities at the United Nations for nearly a decade. Since 2018, BCC has partnered with ARDN on a variety of United Nations-related initiatives, providing students with opportunities to participate in global learning experiences and international dialogue. 

During the event, the students also met with representatives from several nations, including Sierra Leone, Tanzania, China, Zimbabwe and the Philippines.