March 10, 2023
by Marinda Loertscher
When I think of the United Nations, I think of world leaders coming together in an organized effort to shape better opportunities and circumstances for people around the world. This is what I expected when I came to the United Nations on the Status of Women conference, but I have been surprised what I have faced this week.
I attended an event this week and was surprised by the atmosphere in the room! The event started with several technical problems where the microphones or PowerPoints were not working properly, making it hard to hear and understand for the first half of the meeting. Although these technical problems were unexpected and not ideal the reactions of several of the attendees around shocked me. Many people yelled loudly that they couldn’t hear and a great deal of back chatter. All this increased the difficulty to hear and understand the speakers presenting. The lady I was seated next to proceeded to make indignant comments about the sound. She even mumbled under her breath that the event was a waste of time and proceeded to audibly sigh each time something else went wrong in the event. I couldn’t believe how impatient everyone was! These are world leaders who have come together in an effort to establish peace worldwide and resolve world issues but how can we do this when we get impatient with others and technology? What is the real enemy, our pride or each other?
This struck me so profoundly, reminding me of the important role we each play in resolving conflict! We must begin by changing our hearts and desires to see others as good people despite our differing views and personalities; and as we do that, we will have greater influence on improving the world around us one person at a time. We must find peace in our hearts before we can ever hope to create lasting change in our families and communities, let alone the world. Whether we are working to influence change at a world level or within our own homes the change must start within our own hearts!
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Marinda is a student at Brigham Young University – Idaho and attending the Commission on the Status of Women with United Families International.