I’m
sure by now readers are tired of me starting a blog post with “there are no
words” and “wow!” but after completing my third day here in New York, I’m still
grasping to find the right phrases and sentences to describe how incredible
everything is.
Today was the first day of CSW, and
to kick everything off, Beth brought all of us Fellows together to an opening
8:30 am session on NGO participation in CSW. It was definitely informative, and
nice to begin the day with all of my peers on this trip.
After stopping in the UN delegate
dining hall for a quick add-on to breakfast, Dana, Mina, and I slipped into the
ECOSOC meeting room for a session on comprehensive sexual education, hosted by
France. From the moment the doors opened and I saw the rows and rows of chairs
with earpieces and microphones before the beautiful tapestry at the end of the
room, I was absolutely floating. Getting to be a part of these sessions within
the United Nations building itself is truly an honor, and walking the same
route diplomats, dignitaries, and officials cross daily is quite humbling.
The sexual education session was wonderful
in the sense that many of the discussion topics and statistics shared about how
a comprehensive sexual education affects teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted
infection rates, and HIV transmission made it clear that comprehensive
curriculums are the only way forward. France’s model was especially
promising—the panel noted that France currently operates an official website
for youth to be able to access information about their sexual health, which I
found to be particularly important.
The second session I attended today
was about reproductive and mental health for women in humanitarian crises—with
a specific focus on Haiti and Syria. Both panelists featured were absolutely
incredible, and well versed on their topics. In particular, I was blown away by
the discussion about Syria, given by a woman recently named by Huffington Post
as on the of Top 10 Muslims Saving Lives. A native of Syria herself, she had dedicated
her personal and professional career to bringing Syrians out of conflict, particularly
Syrian women. It was refreshing to hear about what can be done on by NGOs to
help aid those in the Syrian conflict, which, from an American perspective,
often seems distant and entirely unsolvable. She stressed the importance of
moving beyond immediate humanitarian aid, and shifting toward self-empowerment
of the Syrian people within their own borders. Long-term solutions are needed,
not just immediate dumping of money with little overall aim.
On the whole, I am still reeling
from the events I’ve attended today, and I’m incredibly eager to see what the
rest of the week holds. If today is any indication, I will continue to be blown
away!’
Until next time,
Justine
Wow! I promise you that I look forward to reading the blogs. "See" you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteJustine I agree with Leigh--keep it coming so great to see through your eyes the direct experience of being with others from all over the world--the comment on long term solutions for Syria makes so much sense--money with no leadership usually is not well spent
ReplyDeleteI love reading the descriptions of what the rooms look like, and the "faces" of people you meet. Makes it feel like we are there with you--being "wowed" too. Keep up your enthusiasm, and use some of it tomorrow during your own big presentation to the CSW attendees. I hope all of you have passed out lots of fliers, so you will have a standing room only crowd in your session. Let us know how it goes! I know we will be proud of you as you "wow" others who attend your Fellows session! P.S. Give our good wishes to Beth too, on your CEDAW session tomorrow. BIG DAY!
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