As part of the programme, we have a mentor who helps us with our career and personal aspirations. This week, we visited the UN office in Geneva to learn more about the work they do, see where they do it and get a library card.
We originally planned to visit last week, but the office was closed. This week was finally the week. The UN office in Geneva is very close to the Graduate Institute where I am doing in my studies while in Geneva. Our tour was pretty straightforward. We walked around the office while learning about the history of the organization, its role and what the office in Geneva is responsible for. We were able to look at the different pieces of art in the UN office donated by state governments or individual artists. We were also able to visit different meeting spaces in the offices including the large assembly room. There, our group took tons of photos.
After our tour, we went to pick up our library cards. As local students, we were allowed to apply for access to the archives and materials held in the UN library. I had to fill out an online application to get approved. Once approved, I picked up my library card, registered for a library account and got to researching. Having access to the UN library is actually wonderful for me. I am doing my senior thesis research on Human Rights in Africa and the UN library has access to tons of resources on the topic. I spent much of my Wednesday afternoon trying to search the catalog for articles and books related to my research. I found a lot and very happy to have that space available for me.
Until next time,
Laïssa