internship at UN headquarters (November 2008)

I feel fortunate to have been selected as an intern at the UN headquarters.

This internship is an opportunity for self-improvement and learning about the largest and most representative organization in the world. So far it has been an exciting, enriching and very positive experience.

As an intern at the UN headquarters, I have had the privilege to witness the General Debate of the 63rd Session of the UN General Assembly, in which over 140 heads of state and government participated, including the Premier of State Council of my home country, China, and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. During the two-week GA general debate, High-Level events on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Africa's Development Needs were also convened at the UN Headquarters.

Not only have I learned from my supervisor and colleagues at the Engineering Unit, Specialist Support Services, UN Department of Field Supporting, but I have also met and talked with diplomats and experts from many different countries at meetings, conferences, workshops and social events like receptions, openings and cocktail parties. This is indeed an unforgettable experience, which, I believe, will be a life-long source of inspiration as well as a milestone of my career development. Short as it is, this internship has enabled me to learn new knowledge, make new friends, exchange ideas and further my understanding of world affairs, multilateral affairs in particular.

Any attempt at energy efficiency and environment protection can only be meaningful and successful when it is made as part of a collective endeavor, with a strong commitment and public support. A good many of the challenges that humanity is faced with are global and pressing in nature. As with the issue of Climate Change, greater efforts are yet to be made in the field of energy efficiency and emission reduction and, undoubtedly, international cooperation and coordination is needed if progress and accomplishments are to be achieved.

In short, the internship at the UN is helping me to get a clearer and fuller picture of how I can and should align my continued academic pursuit and professional development in a way that allows me to explore and utilize the emerging opportunities in my future career.

Meida He

MEEM 07/08

University of Twente