Monday, March 11, 2019

#CSW63 The Realisation of a Dream

Saturday 9th March 2019

Today was about arriving in New York and checking into the hotel.  Then the excitement of collecting my UN pass.

There is nothing that can describe the feeling when you walk past the UN Buildings in New Yorrk..  To know that Eleanor Roosevelt had a vision of a forum where countries can come together and discuss, debate and negotiate to avoid conflicts in the future. This was just an idea that the First Lady dremed of and went through the long process of setting up.  By cajoling and appealing to the best of nations Eleanor Roosevelt brought together those first few countries into the League of Nations.  But despite this initiative, World War 2 started and as a modern society we saw again the worst of human nature.  We saw what happens when those with power don't protect the" voiceless" and left our world worse.

Instead of the League of Nations collapsing, instead it became introspective and focused on being a stronger voice for the voiceless. The UN grew out of the ashes of post WW2 despair and provided hope for millions around the world.  But the UN as a structure, as an organisation is aware that it is imperfect. Yet Eleanor Roosevelt's dream prevails.

The UN continues to build spaces for the voiceless internationally and in their own front garden.  It helps to focus the power for moments in time, but also has the strength to continue with the mission.  The goal of the union is to make our world more just, more equal and more fair.  It is a symbol of hope and safety for so many around the world.

And this is why I geek out every time I think about the privilege I have as a representative of @NASUWT in the @Eduint sector of the Global Trade Union delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women 2019

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