Comforts and Conferences
By: Ashrit Challa, CAS ’25
A view of Lake Geneva from Quai Wilson
GRIP: World Medical Association (WMA)
Framed by the Alps and overlooking the waters of Lake Geneva, the picturesque City of Geneva holds a special place in both the world as a center of diplomacy and dialogue, and now in my heart as well. The beginning of my GRIP experience at the World Medical Association (WMA) in this city was nothing short of magical, filled with learning, inspiration, and the opportunity to engage with some of the most brilliant minds in the fields of medicine, health, and labor.
After a short first week getting accustomed to the city, the office, and the amazing WMA community, I was fortunate enough to spend a week at the 77th World Health Assembly, meeting representatives from World Health Organization (WHO) member states and non-government organizations alike. At various events over the course of the week, I learned and gained much from discussions, panels, summits, and more to address the pressing health issues facing our world today.
On the last day of the conference, I had the opportunity to attend an event on the need for stronge
r WHO direction on nuclear disarmament, where I was able to meet ambassadors from various permanent missions from across the world, as well as leaders of organizations like the World Federation of Public Health Associations and the International Council of Nurses. I will never forget the experience of being able to walk up to these esteemed individuals and discuss their thoughts on various health topics over appetizers, chatting like true colleagues.
Combined with the experience of strolling through Geneva to get to each event, I was able to see and do so much, both within the scope of the conference as well as within the city. Strolling along the Quai Wilson and watching the Lake Geneva Geyser, tall and magnificent, was an experience I immediately had to capture on video and share with friends and family. It was a dream come true being able to even just hop on the bus and see the city, from the Palais de Nations to the bustling train station at Cor
navin.
As I write this, I am in the midst of attending the 112th International Labor Conference (ILC), another pivotal event held in Geneva. This conference, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), brings together government representatives, employers, and workers from 187 member states to discuss labor standards, policies, and social justice. Though my time at the WMA is only just beginning, I am honestly having a blast. Beyond attending these conferences, I am also surrounded by a warm, helpful community at the WMA office and am feeling like an integrated and valued member of this incredible team. I am so excited for the rest of the summer, and cannot wait to learn more, see more, and do more over the coming months!
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.