Stepping into the Unknown -- 8th May (S'pore time)

The first day of our trip to the United Nations Headquarters was a totally new and enriching experience! The first challenge actually came in the form of us navigating our way through downtown Manhattan towards the UNHQ, with the unfamiliar surroundings totally throwing us off. Luckily Kishen knew the way, and soon we found ourselves staring at the rather imposing UNHQ building with the array of flags flying at full mast just in front. I found the whole registration rather slick, with a personalized ID issued to each of us, and together with formal wear, we could, for once, imagine ourselves in the shoes of international delegates, walking among the ranks of the key decision-makers at the UNHQ.

The event was structured such that there were many concurrent sessions running at the same time, giving us ample opportunity to explore and attend those sessions whose topics of discussion interested us. The main skeleton of the event is essentially 2 thematic discussions, one each in the morning and evening, and together with these were many other side issue meetings on topics such as Partnerships between the governmental sector and civil society organizations, and also major group meetings, 1 each for the 9 major groups identified under the UN, that being youth and children, which we were participating in CSD-16 under, as well as NGOs, women, workers and trade unions, scientific and technological community, farmers, indigenous people, Business and Industry, and Local Authorities.

It was a little disorienting at first, as we had to choose between many options which were all very informative, and also locate the venues of those sessions, but it was effort well spent, as we treasured every moment of the experience. We had a glimpse of what ministerial meetings were like by participating in the thematic discussion segments. These were sessions chaired by experts in the topic being discussed, and in which key presentations were first made, and then opened to the floor (the various country representatives as well as Major Group representatives) to speak, with room to field questions, update others on their own efforts to tackle core issues discussed, and to raise key pointers to add on as additional noteworthy considerations for others to ponder upon when thinking about the issue at hand.

For me, I focused predominantly on water and sanitation issues, since such issues are very pertinent to Singapore which is distinguishing itself in this field by its rigorous and intensive approach to this, and also bears great importance in the South-East Asian context as regional countries are increasingly aware of the need to ensure adequate access to basic water and sanitation services with a sustainable approach towards development. As such, an increased knowledge of the core concerns in this area would enable me to be more cognizant of the developmental considerations that our neighbours are facing, have a greater understanding of their policies and be more socially aware.

It was a rather harried and hectic day, but in the end, I found it very meaningful, and I look forward towards the next day to further my experience as a youth delegate for Singapore and immerse myself in the comings and goings at the UNHQ.