by Rachel Elion Baird, Main Representative to the United Nations, New York, Servas International

New York, NY — During the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), Servas members and guests gathered for an evening of connection, dialogue, and shared purpose at the event “Let’s Talk About Peace.”

The gathering, co-sponsored by Servas US, highlighted the organization’s enduring mission to promote peace through intercultural exchange and meaningful human connection.

Servas US, partnering with Servas Women and the SI UN Team, played a key role in making the event a success, supporting promotional outreach, designing and distributing flyers, and providing food for attendees. Their efforts helped bring together a vibrant and diverse group, including Servas members, local New York hosts, and international guests.

The evening quickly became more than a meet-up—it evolved into a dynamic exchange of stories and ideas. Attendees shared personal experiences of hosting and traveling through the Servas network, reflecting on how these connections foster understanding across cultures and borders. Conversations also focused on how to expand Servas’ peace mission in today’s complex global landscape.

Several attendees expressed strong interest in joining Servas, including a diplomat from Turkey, underscoring the organization’s continued relevance and appeal to individuals committed to global peacebuilding.

“Even after the official end time, people stayed,” said Paige LaCombe. “The conversations kept flowing, and no one wanted to leave. It was clear that something meaningful was happening in that space.”

The event also welcomed a distinguished guest, Peter Pressi, President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO), who stopped by to meet attendees and express his support for the Servas community and its mission.

As the evening came to a close, many participants exchanged contact information, preparing the groundwork for future connections and collaborations. The energy and enthusiasm of the gathering reflected the power of grassroots engagement in advancing peace and understanding.

Events like “Let’s Talk About Peace” demonstrate how Servas continues to create spaces where dialogue thrives, relationships are built, and the vision of a more peaceful world is actively nurtured.