CERN 2014
Day 2
All up bright and early and in contrast to last year's group ready to depart at the appointed hour.
The day started with a tram to the Palace of Nations and we are all very impressed with the transport system here - it is very easy to travel around. We had a guided tour of this fascinating building which houses the United Nations in Europe. It is here that world diplomacy is at work on issues such as disarmament, telecommunications, intellectual property, labour rights, world trade, world health to name but a few. There are examples of world collaboration and commitment to the UN almost everywhere. We saw:
The Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, decorated by famous artist Miquel Barcelò - though we were asked to leave as there was a meeting on at the time - our tour guide was very embarassed.
The Salle des Pas Perdus, from which you can see the Armillary Sphere and the monument commemorating the conquest of outer space.
The entrance to the Assembly Hall, the largest room in the Palais des Nations - unfortunately closed for refurbishment.
The Council Chamber, where many important historical negotiations have taken place, was in use as a result of the negotiations in relation to Syria. The guide pointed out that this is the biggest humanitarian challenge to face the UN ever.
Gifts presented by various countries to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The tour guide also told us about the history of the Palais des Nations, formerly the headquarters of the League of Nations.
There was very strict security in place and many journalists on site but we still managed to get a feel for the immense task facing the UN
Everyone was impressed with what they learned this morning.
The afternoon was spent on the Geneva treasure hunt - it remains to be seen who will win the coveted CERN trophy.
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