Visiting the UN

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Ruta writing…Taking advantage of Brendan Thompson’s visit, we toured the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa center, the headquarters for the United Nations in Africa. Observing the activities and results achieved by the many UN programs, I have to agree with an oft-heard assessment of the UN. The United Nations really is a vital organization needed by the world. As the world’s nations economies and livelihoods become more and more interconnected, the UN needs to exist to foster communication, multi-lateral support, and peace-building. The UN provides critical opportunities for countries to talk to each other, understand common challenges and work together.

Touring the UN complex is amazing from its size and symbolism of all the world’s countries working together for the common good. The pictured mural of stained glass depicts Africa past, present, and future. It was created in the 1960’s by an Ethiopian artist and includes themes of fighting the chains of colonialism, African nations working together, and retaining their individual cultural identities.

Our host was kind to also show us the large conference rooms that are used during the official meetings. In the photos, we are sitting in the delegates chairs, trying out the earpieces that are used for simultaneous translation to English, French and Arabic.

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