Salut, mes amis! And greetings from beautiful Geneva, Switzerland! I have to start by saying sometimes that feels unreal- I packed two suitcases and took on life as an expat once more in one of the most diverse, transient and naturally stunning cities. But this time, knowing I would be joining the United National Education Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Geneva Liaison Office (GLO), expat life felt instantly elevated. I felt, and still feel, purpose and gratitude regularly bubbling knowing that I get to contribute to such meaningful work.
If you’re reading this and wondering what a liaison office does, how it fits into the grand scheme of the United Nations (UN) or how it is relative to supporting issues related to education- rest assured, I once shared similar sentiments. But in brevity, the GLO is the focal point in developing and maintaining new partnerships with UN entities, donors, the private sector, and civil society for issues related to human rights, migrant and refugee education, peace, science and technology for development, post-conflict and post-disaster reconstruction, climate change, culture heritage, information society and much more. This means staying abreast and up to date on the deep well of developing projects, programs and initiatives, but also maintaining acute awareness of global crises and conflicts, prioritizing support and attention as needed.
As a graduate-fellow focusing on Education in Emergencies (EiE), this is an especially exciting post to serve. As part of its core responsibilities, the GLO regularly attends high-level discussions at the globally renowned Palais des Nations. Upon arrival, I was tasked with representing UNESCO at numerous side events, interactive dialogues, and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Adoptions as part of the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC). The HRC was a near perfect introduction of UN systems at large, and the evolving mass of priorities regarding some of the globe’s most persisting challenges, many of which fall on the shoulders of the education sector.
Looking back, I cannot imagine a better way to inspire someone who aims to contribute this work; place them in the epicenter of productive debate and collaboration, witnessing the adoption of changes to historic legislation amongst Director Generals, Assistant Director Generals, Special Rapporteurs, Member State Delegates, His and Her Excellencies, and a bevy of figureheads who have dedicated their lives’ work to global impact. In reflection alone, I still get goosebumps.
And if that isn’t reminder enough, you can find two peacocks roaming the UN grounds. These magnificent creatures are not just fun to observe (and trust, they are) but they are an iconic symbol of hope, embodying the essence of the UN office in Geneva (UNOG). Encountering them just after my first full day of extensive HRC dialogues and consultations felt like a warm welcome, unintended or not.
Not only does the GLO get to represent UNESCO at high-level engagements, we also are host to a myriad of sponsored and co-sponsored events. Just days after my arrival, the GLO hosted an event titled Protecting the Right to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) during Crisis. Con-convened with UNICEF, Geneva Hub for EiE, Education Cannot Wait, and the Permanent Mission of Colombia, the event brought together 50 plus participants and panelists, including representatives and ambassadors from permanent member states and UN officials from various sectors. The roundtable fostered a powerful interactive dialogue, aimed to provide opportunities to evolve the right to education, and strengthen linkages between education normative action, programming, and operationalism to ensure the right to education for all in emergency contexts and the global legal and monitoring mechanisms.
My role in this event was to steward the relationships of our panelists and participants, prepare talking points for the Director and generate a thoughtful synthesized post-event report summarizing key discussions and outcomes to be disseminated with our colleagues at Paris HQ.
On event days, the proverb “it takes a village” takes true form. The GLO is composed of just seven people, including myself, so it is all hands-on deck, supporting each other like a well-oiled machine. I have found planning, communicating, and learning from and alongside those who all represent all different nationalities truly makes these accomplishments even more special. While our respective schedules frequently take us to different meetings with various partners and constituents throughout the UN campus and Geneva more broadly, the laughs and conversations shared on and off the clock are probably some of my fondest memories, one of which includes the night we attended a performance featuring distinguished pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili, at Geneva’s prominent Victoria Hall.
Some other off the clock memories are spent exploring the Canton of Geneva, weekends border-hopping into France, some intermittent autumn hiking, and of course sampling crepes of every filling, pain au chocolat, and the many melty cheeses. This jury of one is still very much split between raclette and fondue – but standby, there is still time to name a definitive grand fromage.
I conclude this initial post with immense gratitude for the GWU faculty that facilitates the UNESCO Chair program. If it is not yet discernible, this has been one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences throughout my graduate education. My time with UNESCO has not only reminded me of my own personal values but reinvigorates the adoration I have for this field and paints a clearer picture of the endeavors to follow.
restez à l'écoute (stayed tuned…)
Jacqui is a M.A. candidate in the International Education Program at GSEHD focusing on Education in Emergencies (EiE) and persisting challenges in protracted crises. She is passionate about multilateral engagement and program development as it relates to displaced youth and marginalized populations.