Shaping futures through UN internships

Born in a village and raised in a small city in Jiangxi, Tang Yingjin, 25, has always wanted to see the wider world. Now a business administration student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), he has explored metropolises like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou — but he wanted more.

"This has become a bit of an obsession for me," said Tang. "I've constantly sought out bigger platforms and opportunities, hoping to stand on an international stage and see the world from a broader perspective."

Last month, his dream came true when he began an internship at the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, Switzerland.

As part of a 12-person team, he works alongside colleagues from Poland, Lebanon, Indonesia, and beyond.

"Geneva is a small city, but it's home to many international organizations and has a truly global vibe. Walking down the street, you can see people of all different skin colors and hear various languages," Tang said. "It's a place where you can feel a strong cultural collision, but it's also where I've experienced a lot of kindness, which has helped break down preconceived notions or biases I may have had."

Tang is one of more than 60 SJTU students who have participated in United Nations internships across 15 countries since 2024. These students, heading to nations like France, Kenya, and Jordan, form a unique cohort of young diplomats blending Chinese wisdom with a global vision.

For 25-year-old Zou Liyao, a landscape architecture student at SJTU, his internship at the United Nations Development Programme Representative Office in Beijing has been a chance to connect his passion for design with broader social goals.

"Landscape architecture isn't just about design — it's about improving living conditions and enhancing social equity," he explained. "This aligns with the UN's concept of 'Leaving No One Behind'."

Zou believes that China has many valuable experiences in urban and environmental management that can be shared with the world, particularly in the Global South.

"For example, China has made significant advancements in flood management, such as building water conservancy projects and improving early climate warning systems," he said. "These experiences can serve as important references for countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, which are heavily affected by the monsoon climate."