H-SC Student Attends Symposium at UN
by Phuntsho Norbu '06
 Through the generous assistance of the Intercultural Affairs Committee, I had the privilege to represent
Hampden-Sydney College and to participate in a much-anticipated International Symposium, “The Architects of
the Future: Young Diplomats and the Millennium Development Goals,” held at the United Nations building in
New York City from April 26 to 28. The Symposium was organized by ATHGO International (Alliance Toward Harnessing
Global Opportunities).
While the United Nations, a global unifying body, itself remains a subject of criticism for its alleged
underperformance, its elaborate principles and objectives have been embraced and adopted, since
their inception, by numerous NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations). One such NGO is ATHGO International.
As ambitious as it may sound, the primary goal of ATHGO International is to bring about changes in the
global decision-making process, thus producing more realistic development strategies that can be effectively
implemented.
In line with its objectives, ATHGO International organizes various international symposia and summits,
providing ample opportunities for young people to both learn about and be actively involved in international decision making.
Over 300 students and young diplomats representing 127 Colleges from around the
world attended the Symposium. The three-day Symposium was largely designed to
discuss the United Nations eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the goals
that all 191 United Nations Member States pledged, on September 2000, to meet by the year 2015. The eight goals are:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
Through passionate debates and discussions, at the end of the third day, we produced our own
resolution
for the achievement of the eight MDGs.
ATHGO International will present this resolution to the high-level UN Economic and Social Council meeting in July 2005.
 My experience at the Symposium was nothing short of remarkable.
(Phuntsho is seated at the right end of the desk.) Even though I was born and raised in one of the
least developed countries in the world, Bhutan, the Symposium served me as an eye-opener. I was overwhelmed
to hear first-hand from the distinguished speakers how much of the world, mostly ravaged by diseases like
HIV/AIDS and political corruption, is in a dire state. The fact that all of us live
on one earth sustains the belief that each one of us is affected by what happens
anywhere in the world.
I had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with participants from different countries and cultures
who share a common cause: the betterment of the world. The Symposium was a tremendous learning experience,
something I hope every student might have.
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