Graduation of the Second GCSP-UNRWA Scholarship Recipient

24 June 2009

 

Interview with Dr. Naema Al Modallal of the UNRWA
(United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Refugees in the Near East)

 

1. Why did you choose to attend the NISC?

I wanted to attend the NISC to increase my knowledge of the current issues in human and other security areas, especially since we are living in a small global village and we have to think globally to be aware of the challenges to peace, international security and the appropriate responses.

In addition, my desire was to learn from the lessons of other regions, as well as to think critically, analyzing cases and consequences and developing my capacity to respond more effectively, cooperatively and compassionately to today's problems. We Palestinians are badly affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, so I need to deal with this conflict and respond positively. Finally, I wanted to develop my contacts with the international community.

 

2. What is your overall opinion of the NISC and the GCSP?

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) is an international foundation that was founded by the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, to promote the building and maintenance of peace, security and stability. I think the GCSP is achieving its goals and I am proud to be a part of it.

The courses run by the GCSP are highly professional and have a degree of multiculturalism and diversity that provides participants with a deep understanding of international security issues and the appropriate responses.

The faculty professionally led the activities from the introduction which is very useful to give starting point to the participants.

The GCSP provided very good facilities, namely its library, documentation centre, stationary, IT network, as well as helping participants with accommodations in Geneva.

The New Issues in Security Course (NISC) is designed to train professionals who are involved in international security decision-making. As such it provides a general overview of the contemporary environment and prospects for the future. The course is very useful and of high quality, and it is run very professionally. The GCSP invited excellent and well-selected speakers from all over the world (academic and professional) who discussed the issues openly with the participants and were respectful of different views. The course Director and Co- Director were brilliant, and the administration staff was very helpful and cooperative.

The course was intensive and it guaranteed a great deal of knowledge and a broader understanding of many issues. Some of the subjects were outside my range of interest but after having dealt with them, they became easier to grasp and I enjoyed them. The course showed the changing face of human and international security. Readings were given to all participants in advance, which was a unique opportunity to learn and profit from high level professionals and academics.

This course was unforgettable; I developed very close relationships with friends from all over the world and will definitely keep in touch with them.

 

3. How will the NISC contribute to your professional endeavours?

The NISC course was a very interesting and useful, and a great experience in my life, especially as it enabled me to learn more about global security threats, not only military but also related to other issues, such as international migration, cyber security, climate change, food security, health and disease, democracy, poverty, terrorism, and organised crime.

Thanks to the GCSP, the NISC and my fellow participants, I learnt a lot and acquired a solid understanding about global security. I got an insight into other cultures, other cultures' thinking and obtained a better understanding between different people while acquiring more profound knowledge in specific topics. I gained a lot of valuable and up-to-date information, with an academic background, and discovered new skills and my individual potential from a practical point of view. I am now familiar with new global security threats. As we live in uncertain times, I learned how to plan effectively for disaster response and problem-solving. I also benefited from the organised seminars, debates, and panel discussions. I enjoyed the media training (TV and radio) as well. In my work, I learned how to organize the weekly course evaluation, the course mid-term, and final conclusion. In addition, I learnt how to lead activities and how to get the participants involved in these activities. I improved my presentation and communication skills, as well as my team building, negotiations and argumentation skills. A positive factor for the development of my career was the “learning by doing” course exercises which were run by the course directors.

Finally, I would like to mention that I am the second participant from UNRWA in this excellent course. I do not wish to be the last to have this chance. I am honoured to extend my thanks to the Swiss Government for this scholarship, and would also like to thank the Director of the GCSP, Amb. Dr. Fred Tanner, Dr. Khalid Koser, the Director of the NISC, Dr. Caty Clément, the Co- Director, and to the whole course administration team. My warm thanks go to the Director of UNRWA Operation in Gaza, Mr. John Ging, who provided me with this opportunity to be a part of this excellent course.