A phone call about Iran at 14 led her to join Oxford, NATO & the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

From a 14-Year-Old's Call to Oxford's Halls: A Journey in Global Diplomacy

Imagine a 14-year-old, captivated not by pop culture or schoolyard gossip, but by a documentary detailing the struggles of women in Iran. This wasn't a fleeting interest; it was a spark that ignited a lifelong pursuit of international understanding and peace. For Tiril Høye Rahn, that evening in front of the television marked the beginning of an extraordinary path, one that would lead her from a bold phone call to the hallowed grounds of Oxford and a career shaping global policy.

The Seed of a Calling: A Documentary and a Daring Question

The documentary, focused on women's rights in Iran following the 1979 revolution, left an indelible mark on young Tiril. The stark realities depicted on screen resonated deeply, prompting an urgent question: how could she contribute to addressing such profound global issues?

Driven by this nascent sense of purpose, Tiril approached her mother with a simple yet audacious query: "How can I work on this?" Her mother, with a pragmatic yet encouraging spirit, suggested a direct approach: "Why don't you call the Prime Minister? I think they work on issues like that."

And so, a 14-year-old Tiril did precisely that. She picked up the phone and dialed the Norwegian Prime Minister's office, her voice clear and determined. "I'm Tiril," she announced, "I'm 14. And I'd like to see how I can work on issues that are happening in Iran."

Navigating the Halls of Power: Early Encounters with Diplomacy

The response from the Prime Minister's office, while polite, was grounded in the realities of professional engagement. For a young teenager with no formal qualifications or prior work experience, the suggestion was to direct her inquiry to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an institution more directly involved in international affairs.

Tiril relayed her earnest request to the Ministry, expecting perhaps a similar polite dismissal. To her surprise, she encountered kindness and a willingness to explain the professional landscape. They informed her that typically, positions within the Ministry required a master's degree and at least two years of work experience – a significant hurdle for someone still navigating the early stages of secondary school.

Despite the clear professional barriers, Tiril's resolve was not diminished. The encounter, rather than discouraging her, solidified her understanding of the dedication and qualifications required to effect change on an international scale. This early exposure to the intricacies of governmental work, even at such a young age, provided invaluable insight.

A Call to Action: The Nobel Peace Centre and a Foundation for the Future

For many teenagers, such a conversation might have marked the end of their pursuit. However, for Tiril, the urgency of the issues she cared about fueled her determination. She decided to try one more avenue: the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo.

Remarkably, the Nobel Peace Centre responded positively, inviting her to submit her curriculum vitae and attend an interview. The immediate challenge? Tiril, at 14, had no formal CV to speak of. She humorously recalls creating her very first CV, which primarily listed her participation in volleyball and her role as class representative.

Yet, her evident passion and eagerness to learn proved to be compelling qualifications. The Nobel Peace Centre offered her a part-time internship, an opportunity she eagerly accepted. This marked the beginning of an eight-year tenure, during which she balanced her growing responsibilities with her ongoing education.

During her time at the Nobel Peace Centre, Tiril was consistently the youngest member of staff. This immersive experience, starting from such a formative age, profoundly shaped her interests and provided a unique perspective on global peace initiatives. She found herself interacting with influential figures dedicated to making a difference.

A Moment of Profound Connection

One particular encounter stood out as a powerful full-circle moment: meeting Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist, who had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in Iran. The very issues that had first captured Tiril's attention on television were now embodied in the person standing before her.

This meeting underscored the tangible impact of her early dedication. It demonstrated that the path she was forging, however unconventional, was leading her towards meaningful engagement with the causes she held dear. Her work at the Nobel Peace Centre, alongside other organizations like Hedayah and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in New York City, NATO, and PRIO, laid a robust foundation for her future endeavors.

Charting a Course: The Global Classroom and the Pursuit of a Master's Degree

The foundational experiences gained through her early work were crucial, but Tiril understood the necessity of formal education to achieve her ambitious goals. The advice she received about requiring a master's degree and work experience became a guiding principle for her academic and professional journey.

Her strategy was clear: study abroad, earn a master's degree, and gain relevant internship experience. This led her to a newly established United World Colleges campus in Germany, a unique environment that brought together just 100 students from approximately 85 different countries. This international immersion proved transformative.

The experience of studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds opened her eyes to a world far beyond her immediate surroundings. The friendships forged in this multicultural setting became a lasting source of inspiration and connection. It was here that she pursued her International Baccalaureate, further solidifying her global outlook.

A World of Learning: From Abu Dhabi to the United Nations

Following her time in Germany, Tiril continued her academic pursuits abroad, choosing New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) for her Bachelor's degree. She was drawn to NYUAD's commitment to a global student body and its unique model of inter-campus study, which allowed for academic experiences in multiple countries.

She majored in Political Science with a minor in Peace Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2020, placing her within the top 10% of her class. While she could have returned to Norway, Tiril recognized the unparalleled learning opportunities available in Abu Dhabi and the invaluable global perspective it offered.

Her studies at NYUAD extended her reach even further, including academic stints in Shanghai and New York. It was during her time in the United States that she secured an internship at the United Nations (UN). This achievement, which her 14-year-old self would have deemed "beyond reach," represented a significant milestone.

The opportunity to observe proceedings in the Security Council, interning for the UK mission in New York as a Norwegian national, felt like a convergence of all her efforts. It was a powerful affirmation of her journey and the progress she had made towards her aspirations.

The Oxford Aspiration: A Master's Degree and an Unexpected Doctoral Path

With her undergraduate studies and invaluable UN experience under her belt, Tiril was one step closer to realizing her dreams. The next crucial step was obtaining a master's degree, and the University of Oxford emerged as her ultimate academic aspiration – another goal that had once seemed "beyond reach."

She applied and was accepted into the Master of Philosophy program in International Relations at Oxford, commencing her studies in 2020 and graduating in 2022. This period of intensive study at one of the world's most prestigious institutions further honed her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of complex international dynamics.

However, as she neared the completion of her master's, an unexpected opportunity presented itself: a chance to pursue a PhD. This was a path Tiril had not initially envisioned for herself. She had received offers for junior positions within international organizations, which seemed like the logical next step after her master's degree.

A Mother's Wisdom and a Doctoral Commitment

It was her mother's insightful counsel that ultimately swayed her decision. "A junior job offer will remain at your doorstep," she advised, "But the chance to do a doctorate at Oxford only comes once." This profound piece of advice resonated deeply with Tiril, highlighting the unique and potentially fleeting nature of advanced academic opportunities.

Heeding her mother's wisdom, Tiril embraced the challenge and committed to doctoral studies. She began her PhD in International Relations at the University of Oxford in 2022, a program she successfully completed in 2025. Her doctoral research focused on UN peacekeeping operations, a field that directly aligned with her long-standing interest in international peace and security.

This academic pursuit was not solely theoretical; Tiril integrated her studies with practical experience, undertaking a year of work at NATO. This combination of rigorous academic inquiry and hands-on engagement provided a comprehensive understanding of contemporary security challenges and diplomatic solutions.

A Full Circle: Diplomacy in Action

The culmination of years of dedication, learning, and unwavering commitment has brought Tiril Høye Rahn to a significant point in her career. Her journey, initiated by a 14-year-old's earnest call and fueled by a passion for global issues, has now led her to a pivotal role in security diplomacy at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This appointment represents a profound full-circle moment, bringing her back to the very institution that, years ago, had politely explained the prerequisites for a career in international affairs. Her work now involves contributing to the very fabric of international relations, shaping policies, and fostering peace on a global stage.

Tiril's story is a powerful testament to the impact of early curiosity, persistent effort, and the transformative power of education. It highlights how a single moment of inspiration, coupled with a willingness to pursue ambitious goals, can lead to a career dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the world.