Millennium Declaration Lecture Launch
lt to rt:
Mona (translator, information assistant)
Nicola (Resident Coordinator, a.k.a. Kofi Annan's representative in Serbia & Montenegro)
Nicholas (advisor to Nicola)
Olivia
Nebojsa (cheeky UN Club President at Belgrade University --look where he put his hand!)
ME!
The past few weeks have been madness as we prepared for UN Day (24 Oct). Am pleased to report that the two events I helped organize were so fun:
Sunday children's art event in the main city square: My Future, My Goals; the Millennium Development Goals 2015
We hired a well-known local DJ and a few actors, had about 50 volunteers from Belgrade's United Nations Association, then bribed passersby with balloons and chocolate to sit down and draw their impressions of the role of the UN. It was fabulously sunny and 20 degrees --turnout was over 200 and some of the artwork was phenomenal. Was so embarrassed about my pathetic attempts at communication with the kiddies -- must step up the Serbian language study.
Monday launch of Millennium Declaration-themed lecture series at Belgrade University
This really was my baby --spent two weeks harassing potential lecturers, sweet-talking the Dean to cancel classes, and putting up with Nebojsa's come-ons...but it was totally worth it. Riveting topic (seriously!): "Is Multilateralism Dead?" Nicola, the Danish Ambassador (His Excellency Ruben Madsen) and the Director of International Crisis Group Serbia (Dr. James Lyon) made us laugh, cry...and agree in the end that multilateralism is the most equitable route to solving regional disputes, promoting peace/ensuring genuine freedom, and increasing universal prosperity and development. [though you really must read the NY Times article pasted below for a different (valid!) perspective]
And last but not least: the swank Reception at City Hall. You can see my little head in the one photo [below] that made it to TV B92's website.
Haven't slept in days --my insomnia is in fine form, thanks for asking. Nicola is giving us Friday off as a Thank You, so I plan to try and catch up then. A few final news bites:
- Julie and friend Ryanne came for a long-awaited 4 day visit two weekends ago --they mingled at our office cocktail party then sat at my desk and addressed Reception envelopes for 3 hours
- the Canadian Embassy apparently throws this city's best (only?) Hallowe'en party; how will I throw together a last-minute costume with no Value Village to raid?