Hello, readers!

It has been another fun, interesting, and amazing day! :)  On today’s agenda was a scavenger hunt around the city. At the start of the day, we were given a list of major sites and landmarks around the city and we broke into groups of four and were given the challenge of finding each of them. This was a really great opportunity to get to know the different parts of the city and to see some major landmarks. Among the sights we had to find were Saint Peter’s Cathedral, the Flower Clock, the botanical gardens, as well as the UN building, the World Health Organization, and the “Broken Chair” (see picture). Getting around wasn’t as difficult as you might think - after getting to know the tram lines and stops, our team navigated really well! We had a great time spending the time getting to know each other. Geneva isn’t a very large city, so getting around is a little more manageable than others!

Broken Chair

Getting to see the UN and the WHO, in addition to countless other international organizations, was a real highlight. Seeing the buildings and thinking about the plans and policies that are launched in each of them is just really fascinating. I know as students, we are all really looking forward to getting started with the World Health Assembly and seeing how major global health issues are discussed and addressed. The Broken Chair was another really astounding thing to see. The Chair is a sculpture created by the Swiss artist Daniel Berset in 1997 at the urging of Paul Vermeulen, the director of Handicap International Suisse. The Chair sits in front of the UN to signify the numerous individuals across the globe who have fallen victim to land mines. From what I’ve read, the Chair was only supposed to stand for a short period of time until the issue of land mines was considered and discussed in detail by these leading international agencies. Because, from the perspectives of numerous advocates, the issue has not been given significant consideration, the Chair remains in place. Very thought provoking.

Rainbow over a rainy Geneva!

As for this week, our days will be largely taken up with the World Health Assembly. Tomorrow morning, Dr. Manoj Kurian from the International Aids Society will be meeting with our group before we go to the UN to do a tour and begin the assembly. It’s through Dr. Kurian’s wonderful support that we’re able to attend the assembly and we are looking forward to getting to speak with him about the work he does. 

More updates tomorrow!

Diana

PS - On a quick side note, another favorite scene for me today was watching a man riding a Vespa scooter scoop his dog (an Irish setter) up from the sidewalk and sit him on his scooter with him. What a great way to travel! :)