"If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity." John F. Kennedy

International Day of Yoga

Today was another day at work. One of my projects is put on hold for now so I've been kind of just reading about the UN, different career paths and other stuff ... not too much to do actually. 

We had a short working group meeting today - super short, which meant that my time wasn't too taken up and then a coworker and I went outside to check out the stuff that the Permanent Mission of India was doing to set up for International Day of Yoga! They had set up this huge platform for people to perform and teach yoga on and on the lawn right outside the UN were hundreds of yoga mats. 

I passed by the tables and the Mission staff gave me a t-shirt, hat and a yoga mat, telling me to come back and enjoy some yoga outside with them during the lunch break! It was super cool of them. The idea was to promote Yoga as a way to achieve peace and sustainability. 

From the Mission of India :D

I went back up to my cubicle to work on a little bit more stuff before lunch time rolled around and headed back downstairs, My coworker and I dropped by the yoga session for a bit, but they were not ready yet so we dropped by the Delegate's Lounge (who was pretty stoked to say "she's with me" [since I can't get in there with my intern badge]) because the Italian Mission was giving out free gelato AGAIN! It was great. I don't think I've ever been happier.

Line up for Gelato

The line up was insane but it was totally worth it. 

I got two portions since she didn't want hers.

I'm going to get fat. (x_x)

We went back downstairs and watched them exercise as I guiltily enjoyed my gelato (and felt the weight drag itself onto me, I mean a moment on the lips, a lifetime on my hips, right?).

All these flavours

We went back out as they were finishing up and they ended up giving everyone these delicious vegetarian lunches with rice, polenta, pretty much a little bit of everything! It was so delicious.

I really do have to commend the Permanent Mission to India. They put so much
thought, effort and invested so much money into the very successful event. I think everyone was very happy about it. I was impressed. They had actually started setting up for the event the day today and I knew take down was going to take just as long.

Sitting in the ECOSOC

I went back to work for a little bit longer and then headed down to an event I was very excited for and had RSVP'd for over a week ago: It was the first Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. I mean I wasn't excited for the day or that the day even existed, but I was so pumped to go listen to what the UN was doing and the Human Rights advocates there.

When I got into the ECOSOC chamber, I tried to sit as far in front as possible without sitting on a seat that was reserved. I got a pretty good seat I'd say.

The agenda and the
cool hashtag

The report on the Elimination of sexual violence in conflict was provided to everyone (along with these neat pins that said "Stop Rape in War") so I flipped through it for a bit. 

As I was sitting there listening to the speakers, I felt such a great swell and sense of pride from the bottom of my stomach for the UN and all the work that it is so desperately trying to do. People always blame the UN for this and that and call it inefficient, but without the UN, where would we be now? Where would the status of our human rights be? 

And to say that the UN is useless is to undermine the hard, diligent work of
thousands of people here-and that's not cool. There are a lot of people here who are very hardworking and motivated - To say that they aren't working hard enough is to say that the work that they are doing, the experience, education and everything else they've amassed is not good enough. 

The actress from
the Walking Dead!

That's insulting.

I really enjoyed the event and I got to hear Ms. Danai Gurira, the actress from Walking Dead (as Michonne) and screen writer of "Eclipse" speak! God it was amazing. She opened up with a piece from her play, in character with the drama and everything and it was so silent in there, you could have probably heard a pin drop. 

When the meeting was done, I waited in line and got a photo with her and left.

Panel for the movie, Life, Animated

I went back to my cubicle to eat something I had left in the fridge and then headed back down to the exact same ECOSOC chamber (which was filled up) to watch the pre-screening of "Life, Animated," a beautiful film about a boy living with Autism and how he expresses himself through his passion of Disney.

It was one of the most touching and beautifully done films I've ever seen. I highly, highly recommend watching it when it comes out because it is just such a great way to take a look into the mind of a boy who lives with autism and a family that accepts and loves him for it.

Owen Suskin :D

It was great. Just 10/10 and it made me cry at some points (no spoilers here).

I actually got to meet Owen Suskin, the star of the show, along with his parents! He's quite a nice guy, very willing to do photos and is just so friendly and warm. It was great to see him.

Afterwards, headed home and enjoyed!