Great stories are those that move you to write
Nishat Mirza, a New Yorker originally from Bangladesh, writes and hosts online TV programs for the Turkish Journal, broadcasted live from the United Nations. Her recent program is Healthy World News, covering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG #4, and COVID 19, during this unprecedented time of the worst pandemic of decades. She also served as a Secretary of the Youth Steering Committee of the United Nations Department of Global Communication NGO Relations (UN DGC/NGO). She is currently working as a spokesperson for Columbia University School of Public Health’s COVID19 research.
What makes working as a foreign correspondent in the US so special?
I get to represent my country as a female journalist. I represent young people at the United Nations, women of color, and immigrants.
Nishat Mirza (left) with the former President of the seventy-third session of the General Assembly, María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés (right).
When a foreign journalist comes to the United States to work as a foreign correspondent, what are the major challenges they face? What challenges did you face when you first moved to the U.S. as a foreign journalist?
I think the language barrier is a big challenge. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, so I didn't face that problem; however, I see my colleagues have problems getting used to the language and word usage here in America.
How can a foreign journalist build resources and report in the United States? What tips would you like to share from your experience with prospective foreign journalists?
The most important asset for foreign journalists is to build a meaningful network; the more people you know, the better opportunities you will get. Great communication is essential for your career in the US.
For your country's audience, why does US news reporting matter?
I am originally from Bangladesh, and I write for Bengali, American, and Turkish audiences. Many young girls from my hometown aspire to be journalists one day and read my articles and posts daily. They like to see someone who looks like them and writes for them, far away in America.
In your opinion, what makes a great story, and what interests you to pursue and report about it?
I usually write for youth, human rights, and climate change since more than half of the population in my country is young people. People in Bangladesh have shown great courage and resilience when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis. To me, great stories are those that move you to write, the issues you personally care about.
What do the Americans not know about your country?
Americans know a lot about my country. They do not know about the people’s hospitality, resilience, and culture when welcoming the Rohingya Refugees in the country or considering guests as blessings.
How has your career as a foreign correspondent in the US shaped you as a professional and person?
Being a member of the United Nations (UN) Press Crop opened my horizons and made me more global friendly. My position as a UN correspondent and news anchor allowed me to become more confident and fulfill my goal of traveling the world with a mission.
One of the most significant experiences was going to Panama to cover the World Youth Day Festival in 2019. Pope Francis came to Panama to speak to 100,000 youth. I was one of the few journalists to receive the Pope at Panama’s Tocumen Airport. The Pope arrived on January 23, 2019, when President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama welcomed him. I experienced this great celebration, standing very close to the Pope, with a beautiful ceremony of colorful youth dancing to traditional folk music, a musical band playing the National Anthem, and children presenting flowers. It was truly an amazing experience.
As a journalist, I traveled to refugee camps in Turkey and Palestine to interview young women and girls studying science. I have interviewed numerous ambassadors and heads of state during the UN General Assembly over the past several years. My journalism career has been very eventful and meaningful ever since I started in 2018.
Would you like to share a message with your colleagues in the foreign correspondents' community?
My advice to young journalists would be to work on your craft and be a great speaker and writer. Your writing skills, as well as communication skills, will get you where you aspire to be!
Currently, many young female journalists in Afghanistan are afraid to speak up or uncertain about their future. All we can do at this time is to encourage them to hold their place and keep working toward speaking the truth.
