European Humanitarian Forum, Brussels, Belgium, March 2024

At the end of March 2024, I travelled to Brussels to participate in the European Humanitarian Forum (EHF), an annual event that brings together humanitarian organisations, policymakers, donors, and experts to discuss the most pressing global humanitarian challenges. The forum, organised by the European Commission and its humanitarian branch, ECHO, serves as a platform for debate, collaboration, and policy-shaping. This year’s discussions covered a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on Latin America and Venezuela, allowing for valuable exchanges on how to better respond to humanitarian needs in the region.

🔗 Learn more about the European Humanitarian Forum here: https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/news-stories/events/european-humanitarian-forum-2025-2025-05-19_en

While the forum was the main purpose of my trip, I was fortunate to have the weekend free, which gave me the opportunity to re-explore Luxembourg and take my first trip to Lille, France. I travelled between these cities by bus and train, making the journey both convenient and enjoyable.

Luxembourg – A Return to the Grand Duchy

Luxembourg is a small but fascinating country, known for its historic old town, modern financial district, and stunning landscapes. Even though I had visited before, I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admiring the impressive Bock Casemates, and strolling along the scenic Chemin de la Corniche, often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony.” The city’s mix of medieval fortifications, elegant squares, and modern institutions makes it a unique blend of history and contemporary European influence.

Lille – A Hidden Gem in Northern France

While I had been to many places in France, this was my first time in Lille, and I was truly charmed by the city. Located near the Belgian border, Lille is often overlooked compared to Paris or Lyon, but it has a distinct identity, shaped by Flemish, French, and industrial influences.

Exploring Lille’s Historic Centre

The heart of the city is the Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) district, a beautiful area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses, and Flemish-style architecture. Walking through the Grand Place, the main square, I was struck by the ornate façades of historic buildings, including the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), a 17th-century masterpiece with an inner courtyard where bookstalls and chess players gather.

A City of Culture and Energy

Lille is a university city, which means it has a vibrant atmosphere, with cafés, street performances, and lively markets adding to its appeal. I took time to visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest art museums, where I admired works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Delacroix. The city also has a rich industrial past, and areas like Le Tripostal, a former mail-sorting centre turned into an exhibition space, show how Lille has reinvented itself as a cultural hub.

Lille’s Flemish Influence

Unlike other French cities, Lille has a strong Flemish heritage, evident in its architecture and cuisine. I couldn’t leave without trying the local speciality, carbonnade flamande, a delicious beef stew slow-cooked in beer—perfect for the cool spring weather. Another must-try was the Maroilles cheese tart, a regional dish known for its strong flavour.

A Trip of Contrasts and Discoveries

From the formal discussions in Brussels to the medieval charm of Luxembourg and the unexpected beauty of Lille, this trip was filled with new experiences and familiar places. The European Humanitarian Forum provided an opportunity to engage in important discussions, while my weekend explorations allowed me to appreciate the cultural richness of this corner of Europe. Lille, in particular, stood out as a city I would love to return to, with its unique mix of French and Flemish heritage, artistic spirit, and warm atmosphere.

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The White House, Washington DC, USA, February 2024

In March and April 2024, work took me to Panama City and then to Washington, D.C., where I participated in meetings related to the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. While the discussions in D.C. were important and insightful, what made this trip even more special was that it was my first time in the U.S. capital. Since the meetings were scheduled toward the end of the week, I extended my stay for a day, giving myself the chance to explore Washington on foot.

Washington, D.C. – A City of History and Power

Washington, D.C., carries a unique symbolism, not only as the political heart of the United States but also as a city filled with monuments, museums, and landmarks that tell the story of both America’s history and global influence. Walking through the streets, I could feel the weight of decisions made here—decisions that shape not only the U.S. but often the world.

The National Mall – A Walk Through History

One of the most fascinating parts of D.C. was walking the length of the National Mall, an open green space that stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. The Mall is lined with some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, and exploring it on foot was both tiring and exhilarating.
• The Washington Monument was impossible to miss—the tall obelisk towering over the Mall stood as a tribute to George Washington, the first U.S. president. Seeing it up close, with its simple yet commanding presence, was an experience in itself.
• The Lincoln Memorial was even more impressive than I had imagined. Sitting at the top of grand marble steps, the statue of Abraham Lincoln gazes out over the Reflecting Pool, creating a powerful and almost solemn atmosphere. Standing there, I couldn’t help but think of the countless historical moments that had unfolded in this very spot—including Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial were deeply moving. The long black granite wall of the Vietnam Memorial, engraved with thousands of names, was particularly striking—simple yet filled with so much meaning and remembrance.

The U.S. Capitol and the White House

No visit to Washington, D.C. is complete without seeing the U.S. Capitol and the White House. The Capitol, with its massive dome and columns, is the symbol of the U.S. Congress and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Even from the outside, it felt like being at the center of political power.

The White House, while smaller than I had expected in person, still had an undeniable aura of significance. Seeing it through the gates of Pennsylvania Avenue, I thought about how many global decisions and historical moments had taken place inside.

Smithsonian Museums – A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

Washington, D.C. is home to the Smithsonian Institution, a collection of world-class museums that are all free to enter. With only one free day, I couldn’t visit them all, but I did make it to a few highlights:
• The National Air and Space Museum, where I saw actual spacecraft, historic airplanes, and exhibits on the history of flight and space exploration. Seeing the Apollo Lunar Module up close was unforgettable!
• The National Museum of American History, where exhibits ranged from Abraham Lincoln’s hat to the original Star-Spangled Banner—a piece of history that inspired the U.S. national anthem.
• The National Gallery of Art, which houses an incredible collection of European and American masterpieces, including works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

Georgetown – A Different Side of Washington

After a long day of walking through historic monuments and museums, I made my way to Georgetown, one of D.C.’s oldest neighbourhoods. With its charming cobblestone streets, historic row houses, and lively waterfront, Georgetown felt different from the rest of the city—more relaxed, more European. Strolling along the Potomac River, watching rowers on the water, and enjoying a quiet coffee in a historic café made for a perfect end to the day.

Back to Panama – Meetings and Friendships

After Washington, D.C., I returned to Panama City for more meetings. While work kept me busy, I also had time to reconnect with friends I had made during my years living there. Catching up with them reminded me just how much Panama had become a part of my life, and it was a pleasure to be back, even if just for a short while.

An Unforgettable Journey

The combination of professional engagements and exploration made this trip particularly special. Washington, D.C., with its monuments, museums, and historic weight, left a lasting impression, while returning to Panama felt like a homecoming of sorts. From serious meetings to long walks through history, this was a trip that balanced work, discovery, and personal connections perfectly.

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