Russia tried to put a rocket on the lawn, and other things I learned at the UN.
October 03, 2017
A couple weeks ago, my classmates and I took our first trip to the United Nations Geneva Headquarters. We took a guided tour of the Palais des Nations (led by the most interesting Russian-Italian tour guide, who was consistently subtly sarcastic in the best way) as well as the UN Library, in which we have research privileges (heart-eyes). The tour was interesting in many ways and gave insight into a lot of the things that we have been studying in classes. We discussed the different goals of the Geneva office and the important role that it plays in the promotion of human right worldwide. One of my favorite parts was all the art along the tour, all donated by the different UN member states. Each of the pieces revealed a great deal about the states and administrations that donated them.
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| Donation from Russia, constructed 1964. |
One of the most interesting things that came to light during the tour was about a particular sculpture on the lawn in front of the UN. It sort of looks like a big metal highway to the sky and was donated by the Russian Federation. However, this sculpture was not their original intended gift. The Russians wanted to install a rocket (like, what?). However, for aesthetic purposes (probably security purposes as well?) this was vetoed and they went with the more minimalist design.
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| Me, channeling Elizabeth McCord, addressing the General Assembly |
Another highlight of the day was lunch in the UN Cafeteria. The cafeteria was home to a wide selection of chef-prepared foods from a variety of cultures, and had more reasonable prices than the rest of the wider Geneva area (WHY SO EXPENSIVE, SWITZERLAND??), and my grilled slamon with pineapple was definitely one of my favorite meals yet. One of the best things, I found, about the UN Cafeteria was the people who were eating there. Across from us during our meal was a man from Poland who works in the Archives of the UN Library, and told us several stories of growing up in Eastern Europe, as well as about his current work.
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| So many member states, so little time. |
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