REFLECTIONS ON CSW62 2018
WFWP USA Financial Administrator Irmgard Baynes, reflection on CSW62:
All events were very interesting and stimulating for me. The speakers came from all over the world and showed that the issues in the US are similar to those in Nepal and Thailand. The speakers were excellent in bringing their point across in a matter of 10 minutes or so. I noticed that there was a common thread woven through all the different presentations, including the one from Dr. Panter-Brick at the WFWP side event, who reported from the scientific research point of view:
We need to listen carefully to the people we want to uplift and help.
We need to focus on creating trusted relationships in the communities and with the leaders of rural government.
It is important to create a path for education by connecting elementary and higher education to a job and a profession.
Access to education is not enough: quality education is needed, including extra curricular activities to strengthen healthy family relationships and moral and character education.
We need to integrate "old" knowledge, coming out of the existing traditions and culture, with the "new" knowledge.
I deeply appreciated that our WFWPI President Professor Moon brought out the aspect that we are one human family and our response to any suffering of "brothers and sisters" wherever in the world should be guided by compassion. She addressed this in both of her presentations, at the side event about refugees, and at the opening of the Horizon Summit. Here she asked in my opinion the very valuable question: "What is lacking in the impact of all the great programs?" As an answer, she pointed to WFWP's Motto "Living by the Logic of Love" and "Living for the sake of others." This gave me ideas on how I can bring this up when networking with others and start a conversation to share our vision to respond to the burning issues all over the world. I was so very impressed how Carolyn Handschin, Director of the WFWP UN Office in Geneva, then further made WFWP's vision clear in her presentation. She connected to Professor Moon's points of compassion and love being our motivation as the reason why we need feminine leadership.
The Horizon Summit was for me the icing on the cake. I learned about the work and efforts of Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury and his role as the leading United Nations Culture of Peace emissary. He said women bring new breath to work of creating peace and we cannot achieve peace if women are left out. I especially took note of his message to the young people in the audience, because it is true for all of us: "Look into yourself, and even though our society’s materialistic focus is dominant, create a space for spirituality and never sell your soul." He ended with a quote by Albert Einstein encouraging us to be involved and be an agent of change: "The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." I certainly had takeaways from the two capacity building session I attended.
Ambassador Johnson Cook made it easy to be attentive. She is so energetic and I could feel she walked the path she talked about. My takeaways from her topic are:
Create peace in yourself to promote peace.
Preparation determines your presentation.
Politics and policies are facts of life, anticipate and learn how to deal with them.
Relationships are crucial.
I was surprised about her point on professionalism as a responsibility to your position and your family. I love when I have to ponder on things.
The second session I chose, "Mindful Social Action," had the biggest impact on me. The title had intrigued me. Ms. Katz presented very thought provoking concepts relating to social activism. It painted a path to practice the vision of living by the logic of love. The concepts of emptying yourself when listening from the heart, oneness, none-otherness, non-enemy, and non-attachment are somewhat radical and remind me about WFWP’s Founder’s spiritual guidance. In my opinion, they are really the only way to true reconciliation, on a personal level as well as a on a community and even global level. It confirmed my belief and encourages me to practice it. I have two pages of notes from that session.
One of the highlights for me was that I could meet Dr Yacoobi in person. I was so inspired by her Sun Hak Peace Prize acceptance speech in 2017. I still remember that she said, “God looks at refugees the same way as he looks at every human. We must rise above the hate, we must use our voices for good."
Last but not least, I’d like to share these quotes I jotted down in my notebook:
“Peace takes roots not as we demand equality but when we seek to develop ourselves and bring our own unique contributions.”
“Peace leadership must be rooted in love lived in the understanding that dignity comes from purpose.” (This one I need to ponder on more).
"If you want to go fast you go alone, if you want to go far you go together."
Thank you for putting such high quality events on. I was uplifted, encouraged, and proud to be part of Women's Federation for World Peace!
Dustin Knoblauch, reflection on CSW62:
I was fortunate enough to be a part of the parallel event planning team in addition to receiving a UN grounds pass while attending CSW62. I was incredibly pleased to see the event “Engaging the Rural Family: The Vital Role of Education” come together. The event’s speakers were excellent; it was wonderful to hear first-hand accounts of different professionals’ work across the globe, all shared with such humbleness and a clear appreciation for the opportunity. The several events I attended all discussed such unfortunate behaviors, yet each closed on an uplifting note. Human trafficking was a common theme across events, in which survivors had a chance to share their stories. It was moving to hear accounts of hope, gratitude and resilience, as well as sense of community within the #MeToo movement. I will certainly reflect on my CSW62 experience in my life, community, social work profession, and leadership role as I have in years past. I certainly consider myself fortunate for the opportunities and privileges in my life and believe it my mission to advocate for positive change, a theme of inspiration shared by all speakers. I am truly thankful to be a part of WFWP, as well as a CSW62 attendee and event contributor, and I look forward to future opportunities.
Edith Marie Hall, overall reflection:
This was my first meeting so I didn't really know what to expect. As a speaker/coach I have attended lots of events. I really enjoyed this one. The presentation/setup was very nice and professional. I loved the involvement of women worldwide. Hearing about the various concerns was eye-opening for me. There were so many different issues but yet [they are] the same really. It was nice to see the involvement of the younger generation as well as the ambassadors and other high ranking officials. [This] proved we all have a place, a role. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of such an organization. I see so much potential! Thanks for all you have done and continue to do for the good of mankind.
