UN Library Talk Seminar in Geneva “Women and the UN Charter”

On February 8th IIMA attended the seminar “Women & the UN Charter; How gender equality got into the Charter and why it matters today” at the UN Library. The seminar was introduced by Dan Plesch, (Director, Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS University of London) who stated that without gender equality in the main articles of the UN Charter the advancement of women these last seventy years would have been far more difficult.

This event was special because it was the first time Master students were included among the panelists and the first seminar on the topic of the involvement of women at the UN. The first speech, delivered by Elise Dietrichson, emphasized the importance of women in the Charter, specifically naming notable female figures that have contributed to this historical event. She said that although Eleanor Roosevelt played an important role, it is crucial to understand the importance of non-western women in the process. Furthermore, Elise mentioned that, within our own societies, we must continue to actively promote not only women but everyone’s rights.

UN Library Talk in Geneve: " A Dialogue on Faith, Peacebuliding & development"

On February 5^th IIMA attended a UN Library event called “A Dialogue on Faith, Peacebuilding & Development”, in commemoration of The World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The conference was introduced by Francesco Pisano, the director of the UN library; he explained the importance of remembering the United Nations General Assembly resolution A65/5 that enacted the World Interfaith Harmony Week, when we can emphasize the importance between all faiths and beliefs and the need to eliminate all terrorist extremism and violence all over the world.

The event was divided into two panels: the first panel talked about the different perspectives on faith and peacebulding while the other concentrated on the link between faith and development.

Inter religious service for peace: "Overcoming Indifference to Attain Peace"

The Permanent Mission of the Holy See invited the international community of Geneva to attend an Interfaith Service for Peace regarding Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace message where he urged people to “Overcome Indifference and Attain Peace.” 

The celebration was introduced by H.E. Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Apostolic Nuncio, and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. Summarizing Pope Francis, the Catholic Archbishop Silvano Tomasi mentioned that if we are to attain peace in our world, then it is necessary “that we move beyond the many attitudes of cynicism and indifference that prohibit us from being in solidarity with our fellow human beings, especially with the most vulnerable.” 

UN Library Talks Geneva, book launch: “People at the Core”- Humanitarian Work Psychology and the Global Development Agenda

On January 26th IIMA attended the book launch of “People at the Core” in the UN Library. Mr. David Chikvaidze (Chef de Cabinet, Office of Director General UNOG) introduced the main theme of the book by affirming that in time of humanitarian crisis, while people are struggling against malaria and other diseases, only the 52% of the world “feels safe” and the 79% of those diseases comes from work situations.

The speakers emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the long-term health of humanitarian workers who are facing critical situations worldwide, causing stress and even burn out. Humanitarian Work Psychology (HWP) is the emerging field created to fill a vacuum and tackle the issue of health in humanitarian work.