On the Friday of Aug 09, CCIP Students from session B were introduced to the workings of United Nations as well as got a glimpse of the prestigious Columbia University.

Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, as reflected by the classic architecture of the buildings. Since the creation of the Nobel Prize in 1901, Columbians have won a Nobel Prize in every field for which an award is given.

The starting point of the Columbia University Campus Tour, Low Memorial library, already had the students awestruck before the actual tour began. As explained by the student guide, the landmark building was built way back in 1897. Today, it functions as the administrative center of the University and houses the offices of the President and the Provost.

Shawn, a student from The University of Hong Kong said, "At every point of the tour, I had the awareness that great personage, such as President Obama might have treaded this very path that we were taking. Being informed on the accomplishments of this great academic institution made me all the more appreciative of this visit"."

From a history tour, the students moved on to a lesson on modern day politics at the United Nations Headquarters.

The students were given an overview of how the United Nations functions. The guide explained that while the UN attempts to maintain international harmony, it acts more as a mediator rather than a dictator over its members.

On a tour of the facilities, students also had the opportunity to visit the General Assembly Hall. The hall is the only conference room in the entire building that carried the UN emblem and has an impressive seating capacity of 1800.

Said Rosemary, from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, "I knew the UN was important, but I am only just beginning to realize how massive a role UN plays when it comes to preserving international solidarity."