Solemn Palais des Nations (Palace of Nations), sharp-tongued diplomats and the prestigious World Trade Organization……In the just- ended third semester, Geneva has been, for the first time, a special class for some students from WHU to participate in the United Nations hands-on training project. There, 18 student diplomats gained an unforgettable experience through immersive learning and close contact with the international organizations.
Nikhil·Seth, the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, attended the welcoming ceremony and delivered a speech. He emphasized UN’s contribution to the steady improvement of global environment as well as the UN goals and initiatives. He called on students to join in this career and make a difference with their own strength.
UN Institute for Training and Research is in full charge of the curriculum design and implementation of this visiting project. During the two-week training, participants visited international organizations such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Labor Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations. Senior officials and professors from these organizations provided more than 10 courses in a wide variety as well. Zero-distance visit, English case-based courses and interactive small class teaching greatly activated students’ thinking to give them a thorough understanding about the history of these organizations and their roles in the international governance structure. What’s more, they had gained a deeper insight into the diplomats’ work.
Liang Jingya, a postgraduate of Class 2018 from WHU School of Law, said that the world under healthy development is by no means the fruit nurtured by people or the culture of a single region, nor is it the responsibility of any nation alone.
This course had taught her to work and communicate in a ceremonial and efficient manner when faced with different cultures. “Geneva is a place of opportunity, and also a land of adventure.” Tang Yuyang, an undergraduate of Class 2018 from Hongyi Honor College of WHU, said that the two-week course not only has brought knowledge, but also a broader vision.
Rewritten by Xu Xiaoming
Edited by Zhang Shiqi, Shen Yuxi and Hu Sijia
