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Off to 2026
Just like our world, my 2025 felt like a year lived between war and peace. The past year had me constantly moving between two continents, two homes. It came with instability, pressure and moments of deep questioning. It was a year of sharp contrasts. Between tensions and hopes. Between uncertainty and achievements. But it was also a year of growth. And growth, I learned, is never comfortable. Yet, it reinforced a conviction I hold: peace—both world and inner—is not passiv
annieniessen
5 janv.2 min de lecture
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2026 ✨
In this festive period, I would like to wish you, your teams and loved ones happy holidays and my very best wishes for the New Year . The holiday season offers a welcome pause—a time to reflect on the months behind us, the challenges we navigated, and the connections that drove us most. Whether you are celebrating a religious holiday, observing a cultural tradition or simply enjoying a quieter moment, I hope this period brings you warmth, rest and quality time with your love
annieniessen
26 déc. 20251 min de lecture
UK to rejoin Erasmus+ 🇪🇺🤝🇬🇧
Great news for international mobility ! The United Kingdom will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in 2027 🇪🇺🤝🇬🇧 I’m personally thrilled by this announcement. The UK was my very first international mobility experience and my Erasmus at the University of Leeds 🇬🇧, back in 2012, was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I was suddenly immersed in a new language, different academic dynamics, other intellectual traditions and innovative ways of thinking.
annieniessen
22 déc. 20251 min de lecture
BAEF Network 🇧🇪🇺🇸 - Proud Alumna!
When I interviewed for the BAEF Postdoctoral Fellowship back in 2021, the jury exceptionally gathered online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I did not have the opportunity to meet in person with the President of the Belgian American Educational Foundation, Professor Emile Boulpaep . Until this past year when opportunities finally aligned. Since November 2024, I have had the privilege of discussing with Professor Boulpaep and other alumni three times, during events in both
annieniessen
30 nov. 20251 min de lecture
🇺🇳 United Nations Day
🇺🇳 United Nations Day | 24 October Today, we celebrate UN Day , marking the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 and, with it, the collective promise to uphold peace, dignity and equality for all. Multilateralism is not just a political concept. It is a commitment. It requires dialogue across cultures, patience in negotiations and trust between nations to turn words into action. As global challenges grow more complex, cooperation remains our mo
annieniessen
23 oct. 20251 min de lecture
New role at ULiège
Strengthening international cooperation and academic mobility I am very pleased to announce that, in addition to my UN role, I have taken on a part-time role at the University of Liège in Belgium , where I will contribute to the development and promotion of the EU-funded, interuniversity EurIdentity Certificate . This new role sits at the crossroads of my academic background, my professional experience in multilateral and international environments, and my long-standing comm
annieniessen
30 sept. 20252 min de lecture
UNGA80 High-Level Week 🇺🇳
Eight decades of dialogue at the United Nations : Wrapping up UNGA80 High-Level Week 🇺🇳 This special 80th edition was marked by thought-provoking statements, meaningful encounters, long days in the General Assembly Hall and… many skipped meals! It has been a privilege to cover these high-level sessions for the 3rd time, capturing the priorities that shape today’s multilateral agenda. The UN High-Level Week is always a reminder that dialogue and cooperation remain ess
annieniessen
30 sept. 20251 min de lecture
UNGA80 General Debate kick-off! 🇺🇳
🇺🇳 UNGA80 General Debate kicked off this morning! 🌍 As world leaders gather in New York, the stage is set for a week of dialogue on...
annieniessen
23 sept. 20251 min de lecture
10,000th Security Council meeting 🇺🇳
The Security Council held its 10,000th meeting at the United Nations—a historical milestone for multilateralism . Fourteen members voted in favor of a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire and unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. One veto. Once again, by the United States. A painful moment of paralysis but also a reminder that the vast majority of nations demand peace and the protection of civilians in wartime. Even when blocked, diplomacy continu
annieniessen
17 sept. 20251 min de lecture
Work Anniversary - 2 Years 🇺🇳
Cheers to 2 years in international civil service at the United Nations ! 🇺🇳 From the Security Council to the General Assembly and...
annieniessen
10 sept. 20251 min de lecture
Conflict and Ocean Photography Exhibitions
🌊 Yesterday, in Liège , I was glad to catch the National Geographic “Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back” exhibition before it ends and find connection to the ocean right in my hometown. The timing couldn’t be more fitting as Belgium is a candidate to host the BBNJ Secretariat . The exhibition features impressive photographies from global expeditions at seas to document and protect the oceans. 📷 In August, I also visited the Steve McCurry “Icons” exhibit
annieniessen
5 sept. 20251 min de lecture
Article published in UN Today
🇺🇳 "Information shapes choices, fuels public debate, and brings more people into the decisions that define our collective future. As...
annieniessen
1 sept. 20251 min de lecture
How Diplomacy is Shaping the Future of Ocean Governance 🌊
⚓️ Today , the Security Council navigates a high-level open debate on Maritime Security , a signature event of Panama’s August...
annieniessen
10 août 20251 min de lecture
Belgium's National Day 2025 🇧🇪
🇧🇪 Wherever I am in the world, Belgium is never far 🇧🇪 Belgian Ambassador's Residency, Washington, D.C. Each year on July...
annieniessen
21 juil. 20251 min de lecture
Workshop at the 🇧🇪 Consulate
On May 20, I was invited to brainstorm on how to promote Belgian culture and literature in the U.S. with a few other passionate, creative...
annieniessen
19 mai 20251 min de lecture
High Seas Biodiversity 🐋 BBNJ Agreement PrepCom1
Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to cover the first session of the Preparatory Commission for the #BBNJ Agreement — an...
annieniessen
28 avr. 20251 min de lecture
UN 6C ⚖️ Draft resolution on Crimes Against Humanity
🔵⚖️ Last Friday marked a historic moment in #internationallaw . After several deliberations and interruptions, the #UN ...
annieniessen
21 nov. 20241 min de lecture
Celebrating Belgian King’s Day in New York 🇧🇪
As a Belgian, King's Day is a moment to honor the history of my country, enjoy its cultural richness and connect with fellow Belgians. My...
annieniessen
15 nov. 20241 min de lecture
#UNGA79 🇺🇳
Yesterday marked the conclusion of #HighLevelWeek of #UNGA79 ! 🇺🇳 With Charles Michel, President of the European Council My...
annieniessen
26 sept. 20241 min de lecture
#UNGA79 HLW 🇺🇳
The #highlevelweek of #UNGA79 of the United Nations kicks off today! 🇺🇳 Throughout the week, world leaders will convene to...
annieniessen
22 sept. 20241 min de lecture
Summit of the Future (#SotF) 🇺🇳
As we near the #HighLevelWeek of the United Nations General Assembly ( #UNGA79 🇺🇳), the Summit of the Future ( #SotF ) Action...
annieniessen
19 sept. 20241 min de lecture
Olympic Games: UN & Paris
The #Olympic philosophy 🔥 and the United Nations 🇺🇳 share core values, advocating for the power of cooperation across borders,...
annieniessen
26 juil. 20241 min de lecture
Belgium’s National Day 2024 🇧🇪
Living in New York and working at the UN, I am fortunate to celebrate diverse countries and cultures throughout the year. Today, however,...
annieniessen
20 juil. 20241 min de lecture
Présentation à l'OIF
Lundi, Aristide Komze et moi avons eu le plaisir de présenter la Section française des communiqués de presse des Nations Unies à la...
annieniessen
28 juin 20241 min de lecture
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