Monday. 19 September 2016. New York City. 

10:12 AM, 44th Street

My heart is racing. I walk into the lobby of One UN Plaza. I set my bag down near the entrance, and as soon as I look up, I see Diana walking towards me. My face bursts into a humongous smile, and I rush over to give her a hug. “It’s so nice to see you!,” I exclaim. We walk over to a sectioned-off area with tables, chairs, and couches, sitting down at the far end. The floor is covered with a lush emerald carpet, and the tables are fashioned out of black marble. I’m extremely excited to catch up with Diana, and we sit down to discuss the plan for the week. Before we start, she pulls out a copy of the CTBTO Youth magazine that Ken Martinez put together. My jaw drops. “I thought you’d like to see a physical copy,” she tells me. I’m overcome with joy as I see our pictures from the June 13 Ministerial Meeting! Leafing through the pages, my smile keeps growing larger and larger as pictures and headlines trigger memories. It’s incredible to know that, as I am carrying out my own project in New York, the rest of the Youth Group members are working hard to carry out their own projects back in their homes. It’s so rewarding to hold a tangible copy of the efforts that the Youth Group has been undertaking.

10:30 AM, Millenium Plaza

We sit down and go over the game plan. “Bernardo [Ribeiro} and Kirstie [Gregorich Hansen] should be joining us soon,” she tells me. “I’m sure Kirstie will have a few things for you to do.” I learn that the main CTBT-related events are taking place later in the week. On Wednesday, the morning will start with a grand artistic exhibition. The CTBTO, along with a delegation of Chinese artists and distinguished guests, will take part in a postal stamp unveiling. Soon after the stamp exhibition, we’ll attend the “Friends of the CTBT” Ministerial Meeting, which takes place every two years on the sidelines of the UNGA. Diana suggests we enter the UN today, so we can get oriented and go over the preparations. “Absolutely!,” I reply, nodding enthusiastically. Bernardo arrives, and I smile as I stand up to shake his hand. “It’s great to see you!,” I tell him. It’s the most amazing feeling being able to see them again. I met Bernardo at the panel discussion with the Secretary General that took place in April, so it’s a treat to see him in person once more. He opens up his black leather padfolio, reaches into a manila envelope, and hands me my badge. Kirstie walks in, radiating joy. “This morning,” she tells us, “Justin Trudeau [the Canadian PM] said hi to me as he was walking out of the elevator!” It’s a pleasure to finally meet Kirstie, and as soon as she arrives, we head over to the UN.

11 AM, UN Headquarters

We cross a rainbow-colored crosswalk, walk up a few steps to the security checkpoint, and pass through into the UN plaza. The plaza seems quite inactive, but a steady stream of diplomats is flowing through the entrance. The General Assembly begins tomorrow, and a large white “#UNGA” temporary sculpture is set up in the center. I walk up to the entrance. I pause, taking a deep breath. I press my hand against the enormous revolving door, push forward, and walk through.

Thanks for coming along! I'm excited to continue sharing my experience at the General Assembly. Tomorrow, we'll explore the High-Level Summit for Migrants and Refugees. I’ll talk to you soon!