During the Reading Week, a group of Year 3 and Year 4 students from the Globalisation and Development (GAD) programme visited the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Office in Beijing.

Led by Dr. Edoardo Monaco, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences (DSS), students were welcomed by Ms. Violante di Canossa, Head of the Strategic Partnerships and Policy Team, who provided an insightful overview of the UNDP’s mission and its ongoing projects both globally and in China. Her presentation highlighted the organization’s contribution to promoting high-quality, sustainable development and supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ms. di Canossa also discussed emerging areas of the UNDP’s focus, including addressing new vulnerabilities not covered by traditional social programmes, the future of work, the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence, and the empowerment of women and youth.

In the following session, Ms. Yuhan Wang, UNDP Human Resources Officer, shared her professional experiences and offered valuable perspectives on careers within international organizations. She outlined the diverse pathways for involvement — from internships and volunteer positions to expert and management roles — and emphasized the importance of building relevant knowledge and skills with purpose. “Do not force yourself into something you think the organization wants from you,” she advised. “Research yourself to find out what you really want.” Ms. Wang also provided students with practical tips on how to strengthen their profiles and become competitive applicants for positions at UNDP and similar institutions.

This visit formed part of the experiential learning activities within the International Organizations Study and Field Trip course - jointly taught by Dr. Edoardo Monaco and Dr. Michal Vavrik - which aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the inner workings, institutional cultures, and policy agendas of key organizations engaged in global governance, international cooperation, development, and sustainability.