If the United Nations—195 of the (arguably) smartest people on Earth, each representing one of the 195 countries in the world—can't solve all of the planet's problems using diplomacy, would regular citizens of those countries using traditional conflict resolution techniques like group therapy exercises and theater games (and maybe some trust falls) be more effective?
Okay, maybe not trust falls.
For two days in May, Mexican artist Pedro Reyes is putting on an experimental conference/art installation called "The People's United Nations (pUN)" at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. It involves recruiting at least one person with birth or family ties to represent every country in the world for two days of activities at the museum. Delegates will talk about big-picture global issues using techniques more commonly found in a workplace retreat or in a therapist's office. You don't need to have an international relations degree or expert knowledge about the country you're representing to participate—a good attitude and a willingness to participate is all you need.
In a global, diverse city like Los Angeles, finding people with ties to Switzerland, Barbados, Bangladesh, Thailand, Senegal and the others on this list shouldn't be an impossible task, right? Well, the Hammer Museum is still looking. Check out the list, and if you are one of those people and are interested in the project (or know someone who might be), send an email Carolina Guillermet at pUN@hammer.ucla.edu. The list is updated as spots are filled. If you don't see your country represented but you still want to participate, send an email anyway—there may be a second representative spot open for your country. It's a cool opportunity to work with a respected and talented artist, and meet some cool Angelenos while you're at it.
pUN will take place May 2-3 from 10am-5pm. Lunch and beverages will be provided for delegates. The installation is also open to the public over those two days; the museum will be hosting hourly guided tours of the assembly and exhibition, so even if you aren't participating, you can still watch it all go down.