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 passive. It is built actively, collectively and daily.

Support was sometimes absent where I expected it. But it also appeared generously from those who show up, sometimes unexpectedly and without being asked. A reminder that while we may want to build our paths with determination and independence, none of us truly grows alone.

I am grateful for the opportunities to engage in both multilateral and transnational cooperation, to work alongside committed actors from different countries, cultures and institutions, and to contribute to spaces where collaboration still prevails over division. I move forward with the renewed conviction that international cooperation matters more than ever—and I intend to remain committed to it

Some professional highlights:

• 🌊 BBNJ PrepCom and ocean governance work

• 🎉 UN80 celebrations and High-Level Week

• 🤝 Strengthening ties with Belgian, EU and other Permanent Representations, and engaging with officials and cultures from around the world

• 🏛️ Attending the 10,000th meeting of the Security Council

• 🌍 UN Staff Day, Yoga at the UN headquarters, UN Vienna Ball and many more events that strengthened ties and friendships

• 🎓 Contributing to international relations work at the University of Liège and collaborating with Great Region actors

Importantly, 2025 reinforced the importance of investing in myself: in becoming more grounded, resilient and aligned with my core values. Choosing to live intentionally—rather than to meet expectations—turned out to be a powerful decision. And paradoxically, that is when recognition and respect followed. Linear, “perfect” paths are not always those who resonate most; in fact, many people—just like me—are inspired by the ability to stand back up, adapt and take a leap of faith.

I am also deeply grateful for my health and that of my family, new skills and knowledge, around twenty new destinations, deepened friendships and countless encounters that left a mark.

For those for whom 2025 felt close to a battlefield: breathe, embrace the lessons, never dim your light, and invest in yourself and in the people who care about you through their actions, not just in their words. You will be okay, trust me.

As I step into 2026, I move forward with curiosity, ambition, kindness and a commitment to keep growing, while staying aligned with my values.

✨ Between war and peace, let’s choose to keep building together. Wishing everyone a thoughtful and inspiring start to the new year!