This International Women’s Day, be thankful for the UN
On this International Women’s Day, I am thankful for the United Nations and its important work around the globe. The United Nations, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, touches the lives of every woman – and in every aspect of her life.
I recently had the privilege of visiting the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the world’s capital of peace. The UN is located in the magnificent Palais des Nations, a marvel of architecture situated on a sprawling property with a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Much peace-making and humanitarian history has been made there and if you’ve never been, put it on your love list.
This visit not only opened my eyes, it is changing the course of my life.
“The United Nations has an impact on everyone on the planet, from the time we get up to the time we go to bed, for both women and men,” says Corinne Momal-Vanian, Director, Information Service and Spokesperson for United Nations Geneva. “From health, to the world of work, to mobile phones, to patents.”
The UN has a key role in ensuring women’s rights are protected and promoted, as well as ending discrimination against women. Though the education of girls in underdeveloped countries has been a major area of focus, in recent years, there has been an interesting shift in priorities. According to Momal-Vanian, in the last 10-15 years, the UN has made great progress with the education of girls, particularly at the primary school level. “We’re near parity at primary school, which is huge progress because that’s the basis for everything.”
(Corinne Momal-Vanian, pictured in her office at the UN Geneva)
While progress has been made in education, there are now greater challenges ahead in other areas.
Maternal health is now one of the biggest areas of work of the UN, with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, a few of the many organizations that are part of the UN family. And for good reason. “Death in childbirth and death during pregnancy is at an unacceptable level,” adds Momal-Vanian.
The numbers are bleak. According to the World Health Organization, 1,000 women die every day of the consequences of pregnancy and childbirth, including severe bleeding after childbirth, infections, hypertensive disorders and unsafe abortions.
While maternal health is a top priority, according to Momal-Vanian, ending discrimination and protecting women’s rights in general, is also one of its biggest challenges. In her view, we need to be firmer with countries’ commitments to ending discrimination against women.
And so, this International Women’s Day, let’s not only celebrate the advancement and protection of our rights, let’s do our bit to help stop women all over the world from dying during childbirth and pregnancy.
Lastly, the United Nations in Geneva is holding a number events throughout the year to mark its 70th anniversary. For more information, visit the UN website and Geneva Tourism.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational speaker, writer, and host and producer of the television and online series www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
What’s Cookin’ at United Nations Geneva
Something is cooking at the United Nations Geneva.
The United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland has recently published a unique cookbook, Recipes for Peace, Rights and Well-being, which shares the secrets of many “recipes” for its peace and humanitarian initiatives that have changed the world, combined with superb recipes from some of Geneva’s most celebrated chefs.
The cookbook is part of the International Geneva Perception Change project, which was launched in 2014 to highlight the impact of the work done by all of the UN and international organizations, NGO’s and other institutions based in Geneva.
On a recent visit to the UN, I met with Corinne Momal-Vanian, Director of Information Service and Spokesperson for the United Nations Geneva Office, to learn more about the UN’s initiatives. The cookbook was hot off the press.
“It’s part of a project we call the ‘Perception Change Project,’ which is to explain better to people about what we do and how our work impacts the lives of people around the world,” “says Momal-Vanian. “We decided one way to do this is to publish a cookbook with some real recipes donated by top chefs in Geneva, and at the same time have each organization that works in this international city describe, in the form of a recipe, what they do. For instance, for the Red Cross it would be, ‘the ingredients of a few committed people, a dash of international law,’ and so on, and as a recipe you get ‘protection of civilians.'”
Considering Geneva is the world’s capital of peace and is also renowned for its international cuisine, and some of its chefs are known around the world, this is a beautiful blend of some of the things that makes Geneva so special.
The recipes prepared by International Geneva have direct and daily impact on every person on this planet. ~ Michael Moller, Acting Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva (quote on the book’s cover)
The cookbook is written in both English and French languages, is intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking, practical, and is filled with beautiful photography depicting the organizations and their work, and the city of Geneva. At the same time, it provides delicious recipes you can make in your kitchen.
Adds Momal-Vanian: “We think it’s going to be successful because it talks in direct and simple ways, but with beautiful imagery and photos, about what we do here.”
Some examples of these recipes include:
• The Geneva Conventions
• Cooking up Peace: Geneva Peace Talks
• Ethical fashion – International Trade Centre
• Scientific discoveries – CERN
• Recipes for Sustainable Fashion – UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section
• International Civil Defense – ICDO
• Aid for Trade – World Trade Organization
As for the food, each contributing chef provides a menu of recipes for a starter, main course and dessert. The dishes range from soufflés, to Masaledar lamb chops, to squash ravioli to frogs legs — and irresistible desserts.
The recipes are provided by many Geneva establishments including: Chef Saverio Sbaragli, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues; Chef Salvatore Marcello, the Grand Hotel Kempinski; Chef Gianluca Re Fraschini, InterContinental Hotel; Beatrice Tollman, Hotel d’Anglettere; and Chef Prashant Chipkar from one of my favourite restaurants, Rasoi by Vineet (gourmet Indian) at the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva – among others.
“Food unites all different nationalities and what better way to demonstrate culinary recipes to the world in difficult times,” says Lars Wagner, General Manager, Manadrin Oriental Hotel, Geneva. “A cookbook with such an irresistible name was a natural for us to participate in and support the organizers. Geneva is such an international city and Rasoi by Vineet is so well known that we wanted to be alongside this mission for a good cause.”
The catch? Many of the “special” ingredients used in these recipes can only be found in Geneva, though the recipes can be replicated anywhere in the world.
For more information, contact perceptionchange@unog.ch. Visit the UN’s website at www.unog.ch.
For information about Geneva, visit Geneva Tourism and Switzerland Tourism.
Shannon Skinner is an inspirational speaker, writer and host and producer of the television and online series, “Extraordinary Women TV.”
New Year’s Eve alternatives for party poopers (like me)
New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular nights during the year to go out with loved ones to party, have a nice dinner, or do something else that is fun, like skating if you’re Canadian. But unlike many people, I don’t like New Year’s Eve. I never have. I’m a New Year’s Eve party-pooper. I don’t even have a clear explanation about why I don’t like it — I just don’t. Perhaps it is the pressure to do something and have fun, or an aversion to the hype. How many times in the days leading up to NYE does someone ask you what your plans are? Furthermore, I find the theme song Auld Lang Syne, a poem written by the Scotsman Robert Burns, sad and depressing, and it sets the stage for my mood this time of year.
So instead of going out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, I prefer to stay home and work on my dream for the following year – and beyond. Rather than making New Year’s resolutions, I prefer to create a theme to live my life by for the following year. Some of my themes in the past have included more travel, spending more quality time with loved ones, get paid to do what I love, and, in 2013, it was innovation. This past year, it was to have more fun, which is exactly what I did in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this month.
(Tasting delicious food and wine at the chic Le Flacon restaurant, Geneva, Switzerland. CHEERS!)
At the end of the year, I don’t look back and ask myself if it was a success or not. There will always be ups and downs, good and bad. Instead, I reflect back and ask myself: Did I evolve? Did I take steps toward my dreams? And did I make a positive difference in the lives of others?
If I can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then I am a better person for it.
If you, too, are a party-pooper wanting to skip out on the New Year’s Eve hype, here are some ideas of what you can do tonight to honour the occasion — and yourself:
1. Make a vision board: even if you have one, this is a good time to refresh your vision board. Put some music on, grab a few magazines, and cut out the images that are inspiring to you and make a board using them. Or if you are digitally-inclined, use Google for your images and make a digital one using a software program.
2. Make a life plan: business plans are important, but so is planning for your life – a holistic plan of what you want your life to look life. Using the 7 areas of life — Career, Financial, Mental, Social, Physical, Spiritual and Family — write down in each category what you would like to accomplish this year — and beyond.
3. Watch an uplifting film or documentary: whether you are alone or with loved ones, make a conscious choice to watch a movie that will inspire you or motivate you to follow your dreams and passions, and make you a better person overall.
4. Start developing a new talent: now would be a great time to take steps on learning a new talent that you have been dreaming of, whether it is playing the guitar, writing a song, or learning how to cook. I signed up for a “wine specialist” course!
5. Relax: do whatever you love to do to simply relax and chill. Have a glass of wine and soak in the bathtub. Meditate. Do Yoga. Write in your journal. Do what you love that calms your mind and relaxes your body.
6. Plan Your Travels: where in the world would you like to travel to next? Use this time to do your research and plan your next trip – or many trips. My last trip to Geneva has me inspired and motivated, and excited for what is to come in 2015.
Tonight, I will be doing a bit of all of the above. Here’s to an inspired 2015!
I would love to hear from you about how you plan on spending the occasion. Tweet to me at: Shannon_Skinner.
10 Gems of Geneva
SHANNON’S TRAVEL BAG: travel tips for women
Shannon Skinner visits Geneva, Switzerland, a small city with a big heart.
Geneva is small city with a big heart. With a population of nearly 200,000, it is the world’s capital of peace. While many visitors come to Switzerland’s second largest city for business, there is plenty to offer travellers seeking a getaway vacation. This year, Geneva was voted Europe’s leading city break destination.
(Lux festival in Geneva)
More than 20 years ago, I visited Geneva as a backpacker. So when I recently returned, I saw it through grown-up eyes. Geneva is small enough to walk around and see the sights, yet packed with shops, museums, galleries and other attractions. The transit is efficient and clean, it is easy to get from the airport to the city centre by rail (it’s free!), and it’s a jumping-off point for adventures in the mountains. In fact, there are many reasons to visit.
Here are some of my favourite Geneva Gems:
1. Cuisine
When you think of Swiss cuisine, cheese fondue and raclette probably comes to mind. However, because of its international community, Geneva is renowned for its international cuisine, and talented chefs. You can find culinary fare from traditional French to Italian to Indian. For a gastronomic adventure, some acclaimed restaurants with notable chefs to try include: Le Flacon (1-star Michelin), cuisine with modern flare and chic décor (located in Carouge district); Rasoi by Vineet ( 1-star Michelin), modern Indian cuisine at its finest (Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, centrally located); and La Cigogne, refined cuisine “dictated by the market, inspired by the seasons”, and staff who know everything about Swiss cheese and the 350 wines they list (La Cigogne hotel, centrally located in the Old Town).
(Le Flacon’s kitchen from the street, watch them cook!)
(Modern Indian cuisine at Rasoi by Vineet)
2. Wine
A small industry, it is said Swiss love their wine so much they keep it to themselves, which is why they don’t export it. The wines from Lake Geneva Region, in particular, are excellent. While I generally like red wines, I prefer the whites from this region.
(You have to go to Switzerland for the wine! Christmas Market in Carouge district)
3. Bains des Pâquis
A unique city beach located on Lake Geneva, this is a favourite spot for locals from all walks of life, from bankers to students, to unwind. Open all year round, you can have a massage, sauna or hammam – and enjoy the view of the lake. During the winter months, enjoy a fondue at the restaurant. During the summer months, swim or sunbathe at the beach. Regardless of your budget, there is something for everyone.
4. Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations, formerly the headquarters of the League of Nations, is a magnificent property that houses the United Nations European office, and is situated on a sprawling park with a magnificent view overlooking Lake Geneva and, in the distance, the Alps. Much peace-making and humanitarian history has been made here. Take a guided tour.
(Palais des Nations, flags of all the UN countries)
5. Chocolate Workshops
There is nothing like Swiss chocolate! After all, the Swiss invented milk and white chocolate. Try a chocolate-making workshop. I had the opportunity at Stettler Chocolates, a boutique laboratory, where I made a “chocolate pot” in special honour of Escalade, Geneva’s annual celebration.
(Chocolate making workshop at Stettler. I made the smaller chocolate pot)
6. International Red Cross & Red Crescent Museum
Breaking away from traditional museums, this one offers a unique interactive experience focused on humanitarian history and efforts. Geneva is the birthplace of the Red Cross movement, so this is an important museum for the city and for people to see. It is conveniently located across from the UN.
(Red Cross Museum’s atrium, photo courtesy MIRC)
7. CERN
Geneva has had many firsts and the birth of the World Wide Web at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is one of them. Located partly in Switzerland and France, CERN is also where the “God particle” was recently discovered. CERN gives special tours for the public, but they are in high-demand so you have to book months in advance. Or, just check out its Globe of Science and Innovation landmark.
(Me, surfacing after being 100m below ground at CERN)
(CERN collider, 100m below ground)
(En route to CERN in France from Switzerland.)
8. Carouge
Bohemian district of Geneva, once part of the Kingdom of Sardina and, as such, you can still experience the Italian influence in the architecture and food. The annual Christmas Market is a must!
(Christmas market in Carouge district of Geneva)
(Strolling entertainers in Carouge during Christmas Market)
(Christmas market in Carouge at night)
9. Escalade
An annual celebration of Geneva’s victory over the Savoyard soldiers on the night of December 11, 1602. There is a torch-bearing procession of locals dressed in period costumes through the streets of the old town. Many restaurants have special menus for the occasion and families get-together to celebrate over food and the famous “chocolate pots.”
(Escalade celebrations in the streets of Old Town Geneva.)
10. People
The locals, who are mostly French-speaking, were pleasant and helpful, even as I fumbled with my French. I felt welcomed. And, well, the best travel experiences are often about the people.
I took a piece of Geneva home in my heart.
Resources: Geneva Tourism and Switzerland Tourism
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva: hotel review
SHANNON’S TRAVEL BAG: travel tips for women
Shannon Skinner visits Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, a luxury 5-star hotel offering lovely view, modern design and acclaimed dining, peaceful city-centre location, close to the historical Old Town.
The first time I visited Geneva, Switzerland, I was in my early twenties and back-packing across Europe one summer with a group of friends. Returning more than twenty years later, I am enamoured with this small yet vibrant and charming city that is surrounded by natural beauty. This time, I visited during the month of December with the purpose of experiencing a European Christmas Market and other Geneva gems — and the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva happened to be one of those gems. Here, I felt right at home.
(Mandarin Oriental Geneva on the banks of the River Rhône)
Located on the banks of the famous River Rhône, which flows into the mouth of Lake Geneva, and short walking distance from the downtown core and historical Old Town, the hotel was easy to get to from the Geneva airport. Geneva transit offers free (yes, free!) train transportation from the airport to the city centre, (a train departs every 15 minutes to Geneva’s train station “Cornavin,” and it only takes 7 minutes), an offering that is convenient and most welcoming for a traveller. Once at Cornavin station, you can take the tram or bus for 2 short stops or walk about 10 mins to the hotel (note: there is a slight hill you have to walk on the way back, a bit tricky with luggage, so the tram is best).
(Lobby, Mandarin Oriental Geneva)
The hotel lobby’s decorations of flowers and fragrances (e.g. scented candles) are changed frequently throughout the year. Since it is Christmastime, the decor is colourful with softly flickering candles and cones of macarooms and pinecones, and such, giving it a warm ambience. They looked so good it took all the restraint I had not to eat the decorations!
(Lovin’ this Christmas decor detail)
Located on the 4th floor overlooking the river, my room had a walk-in closet and large working desk, with a sofa and king-sized bed. The bathroom was quite large and spotless, with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower with glass doors (again, spotless). Heated towel rails are a nice touch; the towels were nice and warm when using them after a shower. I made use of the Nespresso coffee machine and take-making set in the room. A large flatscreen hangs on the wall. Housekeeping service is twice per day and I actually wore the slippers they provided.
(River-side room)
When I arrived, there was a lovely fresh flowers arrangement on the coffee table and a bowl of mandarins, which I consumed with gratitude, and a spare umbrella for my use. The street below was quite at night, but some noise inside the room that I believe came from the heating system woke me a few times. I did not hear a peep from other guests in the rooms next door during my entire stay. The only drawback I could come up with is the WiFi is not complimentary in the room, although it is free in the lobby.
(View from my window)
In terms of amenities, the business centre is conveniently located off the lobby and next to the lounge/bar. The fitness centre has every cardio machine and weights you need for a quick work-out, as well as a sauna. There is a beauty studio offering treatments geared to wellness and spa treatments, and also a hair salon, as well as several conference/meeting rooms for functions.
(One of the many modern, comfortable suites offered)
(Lovely bathroom of one of the suites)
The best hotel experiences often have to do with the people and their service. One doorman pleasantly surprised me by handing a bottle of water to me upon returning from an early morning jog. Another noticed one evening I wasn’t carrying a second bag that I had when I walked in, but had accidentally left behind in the lounge. One staff member at the desk went to great lengths to help me with a reservation change to my Air Canada flight, which was a glitch in the airlines reservation system. And the marketing and communication manager, Alexandra Caron, provided insight into life in Geneva over a lovely dinner she hosted at the restaurant, Rasoi by Vineet, where I had one of the best meals, ever (I love Indian cuisine).
(Rasoi by Vineet’s tandoori oven and the chef himself, Vineet Bhatia)
For solo women: Since safety is usually at the forefront of the minds of women traveling solo, I always like to share my experience because my female readers want to know. I felt perfectly safe at the hotel and walking around Geneva alone at night, and also jogging early in the morning when it was still dark outside. The streets are relatively quite and calm in the evenings.
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DETAILS:
Price From: $780-$1,100 Cdn for rooms; and $1,400-$23,600 Cdn for suites (inquire about rates and specials)
Who goes? Considering Geneva is particularly a business-oriented city, it seems it would attract guests of all walks of life, especially business travellers, as well as couples, singles and families.
Style/Character: A stylish, luxury hotel, 5-star, modern with an Asian flare to it. It is part of the larger Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Service/Staff: Friendly, resourceful and professional staff, and excellent service all around, as you would expect with a 5-star hotel. The restaurant staff were extremely organized, knowledgeable about pairing of wines with food, and swift with delivery of meals.
Rooms: 196 renovated rooms and suites; all elegant, stylish, luxurious and geared for comfort. All suites (there is a range) offer magnificent views of the Old Town and snow-capped mountains; Junior Terrace Suites have a private top-floor terrace. Heated towel rails in the rooms’ washrooms are a nice touch. All rooms have a small Nespresso coffee machine, twice-daily room cleaning service, large working desk, large bathrooms (some have separate bath/walk-in shower combo), cozy terry-towel bathrobes and plenty of closet space. Suites obviously have larger living areas. As well as high-quality entertainment technology, including a Bang & Olufsen television, interactive entertainment system which allows integration of iPod or MP3, and audio system. Some come with yoga mats and umbrellas. The only draw-back is the WiFi is not free in the rooms for guests, though it is free in the lobby.
Food/Drink: There are three on-site options: Café Calla, all-day dining; Rasoi by Vineet, Indian gourmet and contemporary cuisine, one-Michelin star, created by renowned chef Vineet Bhatia (also has the acclaimed restaurant Rasoi in London); and MO Bar, offering drinks and light fare. Excellent wine lists with plenty of Swiss wine options.
Amenities: On-site salon, beauty studio, fitness centre (24 hr), business centre, 4 conference rooms (for weddings & other events) and 6 meeting rooms. Considered one of the best event locations in Geneva. Catering is available.
Women traveling solo-friendly: Yes.
Family-friendly: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Local shopping: Nearby are lots of shops and boutique stores, and the historical Old Town centre, just walking distance.
What not to miss: Rosoi by Vineet, the food and wine are excellent.
Nightlife: The bar gets relatively quiet by 11pm or so, so if you are seeking an exciting nightlife, you may need to find a downtown club or bar.
Value for Money: At a minimum room cost of $780 Cdn, you get a lot of excellent services, comfort and convenience that comes with the central location.
Reservations: http://www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva/
Location: Geneva, Switzerland, situated on the banks of the River Rhône, in the heart of the city centre. Address: Quai Turrettini 1, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland | +41 (22) 909 00 00.
Resources: Geneva Tourism and Switzerland Tourism
* some photos courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Geneva, because they are so much better than mine.
Accommodation was provided courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Geneva and Geneva Tourism.
