In the picturesque setting of Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Uganda, the United Nations organized a conference on International Peace Day that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This conference was not just another gathering of minds; it turned out to be a life-changing experience for me, a young participant eager to make my voice heard.

The Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort is a place that defies description, and anyone visiting Uganda should make it a point to experience its awe-inspiring beauty. Nestled against the backdrop of the serene Lake Victoria, this resort provided the perfect backdrop for a conference dedicated to the noble cause of international peace.

The conference began with soul-stirring musical performances, setting a harmonious tone for the day. As the day progressed, we had the opportunity to engage in coffee breaks and participate in working sessions that allowed for meaningful discussions and exchanges of ideas.

One particular working session stands out vividly in my memory. It was a session where the white moderator posed a seemingly simple yet profound question: “How do you define peace?” As soon as those words left her lips, my hand shot up instinctively. I was eager to contribute my perspective to the discussion. However, what happened next was both disheartening and shocking.

The moderator, instead of acknowledging my raised hand, dismissed me with a condescending comment, implying that I should “respect my elders.” It was an unpleasant and seemingly racist moment, as murmurs of disapproval rippled through the hall. Undeterred, I refused to lower my hand. I was sitting in the front row, and everyone in the room could see my determination to be heard.

As the moderator handed the microphone to others, I kept my hand raised, waiting for my turn to speak. Other participants eloquently shared their thoughts on peace, touching upon various aspects such as the absence of war, conflict resolution, individual flourishing, cooperation, and justice. Despite the moderator’s attempts to silence me, I kept my hand raised, determined to contribute to the discussion.

The turning point came when one of the participants, a gracious lady, volunteered to let me speak on her behalf. However, the moderator declined her offer, insisting that I would speak last. Little did she know that this decision would prove to be her undoing.

As the session unfolded, participants shared their insights on peace, and I patiently listened to their contributions. When my turn finally arrived, I seized the opportunity to do more than just express my viewpoint. I provided an eloquent synthesis of all the responses that had been given, building on their ideas. I spoke of the absence of war, the importance of individual flourishing, cooperation, and justice, all of which resonated with the participants.

But I added one crucial element that seemed conspicuously absent in that moment: mutual respect. Drawing from my background as a human rights lawyer and expert, I emphasized that peace cannot be fully realized without mutual respect among individuals, communities, and nations.

The impact of my words was immediate and profound. As I concluded my remarks, the room erupted into a standing ovation, with cheers and applause filling the air. I felt a deep sense of pride in myself and in the knowledge I had accumulated through my studies in International Relations.

The moderator, to her credit, recognized her mistake and apologized to me and the entire audience. The conference continued, but that moment had already opened doors for me. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, as I was offered my first job with the United Nations, a platform where my voice and expertise could be put to meaningful use.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: If you see something, say something. If you know something, say something. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. It reminded me that determination and perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities and that even in the face of adversity, one’s voice can resonate powerfully, bringing about positive change.