Introducing my China Series: In Fall/ winter 2017, I worked for Dartmouth College with a large team in China. As it comes to a close, I am excited to share what an impactful experience it was, surpassing all expectations. This mini blog series is dedicated to the aspects of China that stood out the most during my unforgettable mission there.
Tag: borders
UN CSW 59: Women, Conflict, Kashmir
“Peace is no longer an option. It’s the only option left for global survival.” – Dr. Meera Khanna At the #CSW59, Dr. Meera Khanna, Vice Chair of the Guild of Service, shared the suffering of women and widows in the Kashmir Conflict. She drew attention to the tragedies that women, particularly widows, face. The event…
Photo-intro to Indonesia
Indonesia is perhaps the farthest that I have traveled to. While extremely hot and humid, the islands are filled with lush vegetation and nature. Firstly, an ode to food, Indonesia wins the #1 title for best food in the world. But what stood out to me the most was the warmth, sincerity, and realness of those I met, particularly my GIM-affiliated friends. Indonesia is beautiful all around, but especially because of its people.
On Travel and Living Abroad
Within 18 months, I lived in 4 (arguably 5) cities, within 3 countries, and 2 different continents. Such travel is not too rare among those working in international affairs, like human rights or economic development. After this period, I write my most personal piece yet about living in different places and some of its associated challenge.
Reintegrating Albanian and Serbian Youth
The New Bridge in Mitrovica symbolizes the split of the city into two adversarial sides. On the Albanian side, I stand with uncertainty looking over the river – those on the southern part warn of the dangers of crossing over to the Serbian side. The bridge today is patrolled by KFOR forces. Before the war, Serbs and Albanians used to lived as neighbors, speaking one another’s language, and even intermarrying. However, the conflict brought seemingly irreparable fissures between Serbs and Albanians.
Countering Extremism through Integration
When innocent lives pay the price for absurdity of disturbed individuals under twisted ideology, all of humanity loses – whether it be attacks in Orlando, Paris, Brussels, Turkey, or throughout the Middle East. With the recent horrific attacks by radicalized individuals, a good friend asked me what regular people every day can each do to make a difference and tackle this problem.
“Crossing Borders” Youth Leaders
In a Ted-ex-like format, Sciences Po students captivated the audience by showcasing how they traversed limitations through travel and exposure to different cultures. Piroshin, a member of the Indian community in South Africa detailed racial abuses in South Africa. Marianna started her own NGO at age 18 to assist victims of human trafficking in Latin America. Originally, from India, Nikita got the courage to cross to Pakistan, against all warnings from family. Indeed, some of the greatest borders are the psychological ones that we place on ourselves.
On Foreign/Local (Dis)Advantage
Life as a foreigner working for an international organization in developing countries versus life as a local resident are very different worlds. While Kosovars struggle with low wages or unemployment, foreigners working in Pristina enjoy high status, wages, and security in their host country.
First Impression Snippets of Prishtina
Prishtina has the air of a serene and young city – due to its large youth population of university students, children, new infrastructure and architecture, and fast pace of growth and development. As an Albanian-American at UN Women, I am now in a curious in-between state: technically a foreigner, but closer to the people, which puts me in a unique position of trust and understanding with the warm Kosovars.
Journeying through India
Walking through the open-air markets in Delhi India, one is bombarded by the sights, sounds, smells. The colors of the clothes in the markets, the smell of the hot fried food on the streets, the shouting of sellers inviting customers, the roaming dogs (or undisturbed cows in the case of Vrindavan)… One witnesses the highest level of affluence next to the most despairing poverty. While India faces unprecedented levels of poverty, the diverse people of India – from the children to the elderly women – show true strength, spirit, energy, and vitality that inspire and awe me.
K-squared 