Today was the first official day of the forum! Participants safely arrived from around the world, and the anticipation and excitement of the 6th annual youth human rights forum came to a head at the welcoming ceremony and dinner. Introductions with colorful accents, from Cambodia to Afghanistan, from Lithuania to Brazil, blended together in a mellow hum to create the first united conversation of the conference.To commence what promises to be an interesting and packed agenda, we shared our first memories together...
Welcome Dinner and Reception
Wearing fresh nametags as proudly as our dress clothes, we attended the welcome reception and dinner with Professor Amii and the UNESCO team. We were greeted with Amii's jokes and sly smile, his words of encouragement urging us to push our comfort zones, confront our stereotypes, and recognize our place on the shoulders of those who came before us. It's now our turn to take advantage of the valuable days ahead, strengthening the shoulders of this new found and united body.
Short Film and Discussion: The Making of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
90+ strong in our makeshift movie theater, we learned the brief history of the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a fundamental document in the human rights movement. The film was followed by challenging questions from renowned South African UNESCO Chair, Professor Nasila Rembe:What would have happened if World War Two had not occurred?
If the delegates in this forum could rewrite the UDHR today, would it be different from the one signed in 1948?
The group posed some interesting questions in response, focusing on the legitimacy of the document itself and its relevance in present human rights conflicts.
Cafe Ami
Sighs of warm relief for a respite from the frigid air conditioning, we gathered to share coffee, desserts, and common interests. In this casual round table activity we replied to questions like "Who are you inspired by?", or "What's the strangest food you've eaten?". Despite being miles away from our native countries, and in light of our differences and similarities, it's funny how easy it is to feel at home.
Sighs of warm relief for a respite from the frigid air conditioning, we gathered to share coffee, desserts, and common interests. In this casual round table activity we replied to questions like "Who are you inspired by?", or "What's the strangest food you've eaten?". Despite being miles away from our native countries, and in light of our differences and similarities, it's funny how easy it is to feel at home."I was amazed on how people from different societies will surprise you when you get to know them. Tim, for Burma and NYC, claims to dance salsa, bachata and even cumbia... and probably much better than me!"Words of Rogelio Cortes, from México
We are exhausted and excited, inspired by easily the two best guidelines spoken to us today... ready to enjoy ourselves because this is our time: ten days to feel free.
