🌏 Dumplings at UNESCO Paris: Celebrating Chinese New Year - Where Culture Meets Diplomacy

By Chloé

Today I celebrated Chinese New Year… at UNESCO in Paris!

That still feels surreal to write.

After joining a youth delegation, I suddenly found myself inside one of the world’s most symbolic institutions, surrounded by red decorations, unfamiliar languages, and the warm energy of people coming together to celebrate something deeply cultural - and deeply human.

The event, organized with the China Cuisine Association, marked the Spring Festival. There was beautiful décor, incredible food (Oui! dumplings were involved), and a feeling that this was more than just a holiday. It was culture in motion.

What stayed with me most wasn’t only the colors or music, but how traditions like this are now recognized as global heritage. It reminded me how powerful culture can be, how food and shared moments can connect people in ways policy alone never could.

As a Foreign Affairs and Global Health student, I spend a lot of time thinking about institutions and systems. But today reminded me that diplomacy doesn’t only happen in conference rooms.

Sometimes it happens over a shared meal or a simple celebration.

Living abroad in my early twenties, navigating new cities and cultures, can feel overwhelming; but days like today feel incredibly meaningful.

And sometimes, that lesson comes wrapped in red lanterns and dumplings.