Snow and Diplomacy

We have spent the last two days on a whirlwind tour of Geneva. The highlights of Day One were a guided tour of the United Nations Office of Geneva and a reception at the New Zealand Consulate-General. The delegates were in awe of the amazing scale and historical significance of the Palais de Nations, and were all inspired to continue to engage in politics and international affairs. The diplomats at the New Zealand Embassy talked to us about their varied work, including international human rights, liasing with humanitarian organisations, and the World Trade Organisation. We all envied their jobs and enjoyed their brownies!

Today, we woke to snow settling around us, providing a stunning backdrop to another varied day. This morning, we visited the International Red Cross Museum, an informative yet sobering experience for all. We were also lucky enough to view a temporary exhibition of photography documenting various walls between divided nations, including North and South Korea. This afternoon, we wandered the streets of the Old Town, with some content to window shop, and others indulging in Swiss chocolate!

Geneva has been a fantastic two days for our delegation. Although it is the priciest city we have visited, the delegates have really felt they are at the heart of so many integral international organisations and have vowed to return some day!

Tomorrow, we will be on our way to the airport at 4am, so an early night for all tonight. Further updates and photos will follow from Geneva, along with details of host families.

Au revoir from Switzerland!

Hannah, Kitaj, Jamie