The day began meeting Julian, Alicia, Michael and the global delegation outside The Hague Peace Palace Entrance.
As an ice-breaker we introduced ourselves to a fellow participant. We were then asked to share what we learned about him or her to the group.
I introduced Sergius from Barcelona and Janice introduced Elina from Finland.
Julian welcomed everyone followed by Michael, a Canadian, and Alicia from Germany, who work for the Division of Multilateral Diplomacy.
We then walked into the magnificent Peace Palace. The Peace Palace houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the United Nations International Court of Justice and The Hague Academy of International Law. These institutions are supported by the Library of the Peace Palace, the most prestigious international law library in the world.

We convened our sessions In the Peace Palace Press Room, located on the ground floor.
The opening lecture was conducted by Julian which was an in depth understanding of the importance of the United Nations system. The discussion included the benefits of having an international body and it’s short comings.
Following lunch, we walked over to the library and extensive historical exhibit.
The next session after lunch was presented by the Public Relations and Outreach section of the International Court of Justice.

CLOSING SESSION FOR DAY 1

The final session of the day was led by Julian entitled Consensus Building Through a Simulation Exercise.
A personal surprise highlight was meeting a fellow participant who is the grandson of my family’s revered Senator growing up in Rhode Island.

KATARINA FROM THE UKRAINE

Katarina was our delightful waitress at dinner. She is from the Ukraine. Her father serves in the Ukrainian army.
Her entire family refuses to flee from their homeland despite the daily fear of uprisings, destruction and violence.
It isn’t safe for her to return home. She keeps in contact with her loved ones via the internet. Though it’s intolerable not to be with them, modern technology affords them opportunities to lock into each other’s eyes through WhatsApp. Janice and I were deeply moved by her indomitable spirit. We wished her and her family “blessings of safety” and expressed our prayers that peace will prevail soon.