So, I'm sitting in the library of the UN and I am looking out and realized the flags are flying today. Well, actually they were flying yesterday too. I was really surprised when I looked close-up and realized that many of them are more wrinkled than my dress shirts that made the 2,000-mile journey here to New York in my blue suitcase. In my last entry I commented on the underlying humanity of the United Nations, and I think that this has become even more apparent as time wears on.

 In the last few days I have encountered several negative people who seem to exude the attitude"I tried to change things, it didn't work, now we're just doomed and I'm resigned to that." While this sentiment is rather disheartening, I believe that is where my (and Agents of Change and SustainUS as a whole) role is at this Commission (and in life). In spite of the fact that change is unbearably slow (a man this morning spoke about how it has taken over 20 years of debate on the Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples and it still has not been passed), and the future will always look bleak for some (those statistics of despair in the MDG's), the mere fact that there are people who can see beyond these obstacles breathes life into the UN, and the policy-making process. The fear that we too may become hardened and jaded should be channeled to fight for the hard changes. Because even the seemingly-fruitless fight for our beliefs and change must occur for anything to ever happen.

OK so there are my most recent feelings. My biggest pet peeve is when people channel their energy into being negative about the way the world works yet do not do anything to change the process/policy/reality that they complain about.

On a less introspective note, the last few days have been a blur of interesting panelists, some time getting around the city (the weekend afforded some time off), and meeting amazing people from around the world. I have been most inspired by youth from the European Youth Forum and my peers in Agents of Change.

I also attended a side event yesterday that really struck me. The panel was focused on the development of regional social and economic policies. During the entire commission I have heard a lot about best-practices and prescribed solutions and examples of what is going on around the world concerning "Full employment and decent work for all." However, there has been little mention of the subtle differences between cultures, economies, and social networks in each country. Mr. Wong, a man from Hong Kong who studies the international relationships, specifically between Hong Kong and its bordering cities in mainland China, addressed these subtleties. Instead of speaking of universal solutions, Mr. Wong elaborated on some of the difficulties Aisan nations face in participating in regional commissions. He pointed out some obstacles for Asian countries, including self-reliance, the value of reputation, and a worry that a regional commission would create power imbalances between Asian nations. However, he concluded by highlighting the recent partnership between Hong Kong and its neighbors that allows for fluid social benefits between the two, using this example as a solution that is carefully thought-out and executed.

I found this particular presentation to be inspiring -- governments working for small solutions given their own circumstances and beliefs, where in the end people win! 

So those are my thoughts for Tuesday, Feb 13th afternoon.

 Love and Sustainability,

Laura