26 April 2024
Sasha
Stepping foot in Geneva was a complete culture shock, worlds away from the scorching heat and humidity of Juba. I dusted off my suit and tie, attire that rarely made an appearance in Juba where I had worked for UNMAS South Sudan for a year, and entered the NDM as a wide-eyed and eager newcomer to the mine action sector.
I was blown away! The grandeur of the plenary sessions, with country nameplates adorning the long tables, the interpreters gracefully perched in their elevated booths, and the awe-inspiring panellists and speakers effortlessly switching between languages. But that wasn't all! The side events were equally impressive. Experts and experienced voices sharing their insights on various topics, sometimes using terms that left me scratching my head. But I soaked it all in and learned so much!
However, the real stars of the NDM were the incredible individuals I had the privilege of meeting from all corners of the sector. Their unwavering passion and dedication, their vast expertise and experience, and above all, their kindness and humanity. They left an indelible mark on me, igniting a newfound excitement and motivation to bring back everything I had learned to South Sudan.
Fast forward to today, over a decade later, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of the team organizing this extraordinary global gathering of the mine action sector, and look forward welcoming over 700 mine action colleagues to Geneva.
#NDMUN27