Between The Scenes of Global Negotiations

The United Nations has long been considered the facilitator of global governance, working with member states across a range of issues, including development and human rights, to ensure international peace and security. By creating a forum for discussion, such as an international conference, countries are able to discuss, debate and make recommendations on subjects pertaining to a range of issues, the outcomes of which ultimately shape many of the national and global systems that we live by every day.

Attending these conferences is like experiencing little pieces of the entire world in one room – the diversity of languages, expressions, mannerisms, features, and attires is compelling. While my work focuses on documenting global politics in action, I particularly like to observe the more personal moments in between, the characters that are revealed through a pair of shoes or the curve of a hand. I believe it is these moments that remind us of our humanity, of our creativity, and not just the politics we may represent.

This collection is part of my broader portfolio of work documenting the global negotiations on environment and development as part of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Reporting Services team, producing the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB).