Albert Einstein once said: “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious”. Never would I have imagined that venturing away from my island, Mauritius, twelve years ago, would have been the start of such an amazing and mysterious journey. A visit to my sister, a then medical student at Wuhan University, opened my eyes and senses to the wonders of China. While I savored a bowl of the local specialty “热干面” and was surrounded by people, both foreigners and Chinese, speaking in a language renowned for its difficulty, I realized that the world was fast evolving and that I needed to be part of it.
Without an ounce of hesitation, I joined Wuhan University, ranked among the top five universities in China. Little did I know that this would be my home for the next decade as I learned Mandarin and earned all of my academic qualifications - a Bachelor’s in International Economics and Trade, Master’s in International Relations and now, a PhD in Public Administration. Wuhan University not only catered to my thirst for knowledge, but also contributed greatly in preparing me for my internship at the United Nations.
International Students from different continents at Wuhan University
As the first foreign student graduate from Wuhan University to be serving as an intern in a large-scale international organization, and the Vice-President of the Wuhan University International Students’ Union (WISU), I am very proud to represent my university. I know that the blend of cultures and point of views that I was exposed to at Wuhan University, have been invaluable and of immense help in fine-tuning my skills in interacting with the global environment. Also, Wuhan city represented a strategic ‘spot’ that fuelled my travelling endeavors across China. I was able to visit 17 provinces, from megacities to the most remote villages and gain an understanding of China’s numerous minorities, cementing my insight on cultural values. Wuhan University allowed me to bond with people from different corners of the world whose warmth and distinct cultures extended my travelling stretch over 46 different countries and imbibing me into becoming a freelance writer for the popular newspaper “Changjiang Weekly”.
Diversity is core of Wuhan University
Wuhan University has given me access to numerous fulfilling experiences such as coordinating the “WHU Luojia Autumn International Cultural Festival” for 3 consecutive years and a farewell video for last year’s graduation ceremony that provided me with an in-depth view of cultural values and organizing skills. In 2009, I also participated in the “Germany and China: Moving Ahead Together” event in Wuhan, where I was interviewed by a German photographer who travels around the world with his red couch aiming at creating a gallery of Humanity. In early 2010, I ventured in the entrepreneurship side and opened a small take-away joint with 3 friends from different corners of the world, a partnership that gave me an insight in the business world and partnerships among people from different nationalities. I also interned as a Membership Relations Assistant at the European Union Chamber Commerce of China in Shanghai for 6 months, where I gained professional experience in dealing with high-level officials.
Hans Seesaghur, PhD student of Wuhan University at United Nations Office at Geneva
Walking in the majestic building of the United Nations Office at Geneva was a step forward for an African student of Wuhan University. I had the opportunity to attend Human Rights Council events, high-level meetings and think tank meetings but the highlight of my internship remains the course for senior leaders of peacekeeping missions. These leaders’ capacity to assimilate data and provide proper response to conflicts left me in awe. The various cultural events held at the United Nations were proof of the organization’s cultural awareness. The Beijing Orchestra performed majestically leaving hundreds to give an ovation. The TED talks gave the stage to people with experiences and simple words that were an inspiring symbol of creativity and entrepreneurship. As my contract drew to an end, I felt a tinge of sadness to be leaving the team, but at the same time relished and satisfied with what I had accomplished, knowing that I had the chance to at least contribute in a way to the United Nations.
Hans Seesaghur, PhD student of Wuhan University with other interns at United Nations Office at Geneva
As I walk along the corridors of the Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office in Geneva with the sound of my steps echoes in my ears, a sense of mixed awe, nostalgia and excitement overcomes me. Everything – from the majestic buildings with their high ceilings and lustering marble floors, to the undistinguished murmurs of people and the overwhelming sense of something grand being discussed or accomplished behind the closed doors - reminds me of how privileged I am, and how much I will miss being part of the Political Affairs and Partnerships Section, Office of the Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva, and being within the mist of this buzzing and thought-provoking environment. Yet, I feel confident that once more, my feet will take me to exciting places as I continue my journey.
Hans Seesaghur, PhD student of Wuhan University posing with the United Nations and Chinese flags after the cultural event held by the Beijing Orchestra
Li Xiao Hong, the President of Wuhan University, has a dream—“The Wuda Dream”. I might have helped him in accomplishing part of his dream, steering Wuhan University onto an international profile. After all, Wuhan University is International Relations at its best. I have a dream too; I dream of One Africa, a United Africa that though entails a gigantic effort, still remains a hopeful and realizable dream that lives through the pragmatic words of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Dag Hammarskjöld: “Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top; only then you will see how low it was.”
I believe that my experience in the United Nations will help me in addressing such future challenges. Above all, like the charismatic message of the Acting Director General of United Nations Office at Geneva, Mr. Michael Møller `s goes: “The United Nations is the embodiment of the world's collective trust, that we can all come together to address our biggest challenges”.
United Nations Office at Geneva by night. (Photo Courtesy of the United Nations)
(Edited by Natasha Butorac from Australia & Jason Boolakee from Mauritius)
