The School of Global Governance at Renmin University of China (RUC) organized the first “International Organization Field Study Program” in Geneva, Switzerland from January 8th to January 14th.
The program aimed to deepen students’ understanding of United Nations-related agencies, provide specialized knowledge for their future careers in international organizations, and broaden their internship and job opportunities in this field.
The program was led by Song Yang, Deputy Director of the International Office and Professor at the School of Economics, Cui Shoujun, Vice Dean of the School of Global Governance and Professor at the School of International Studies, and Hu Qifan, Program Coordinator at the Office of the School of Global Governance. A total of 20 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students from 13 different schools participated in the program.
In the program, the group visited the Permanent Mission of China in Geneva and had discussions with the representatives. They also visited the headquarters of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the World Food Programme (WFP) Geneva Office, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Geneva Office, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Confucius Institute jointly established by RUC and the University of Geneva.
Before their visits, the School of Global Governance made careful preparations for the program. The study group was divided into four research teams, each focusing on a specific research topic. The study group also received specialized guidance from Professor Song Yueping, an internal mentor from the School of Global Governance and Associate Dean of the School of Sociology and Population Studies.
The students had face-to-face exchanges with international organization officials, experts in relevant fields, and young diplomats. During the visits, the team leaders guided the groups to actively discuss their research topics. Under the guidance of the teachers, each group will complete a research report on their respective topics, which will serve as a significant achievement in talent cultivation for international organizations at RUC.
On January 9th, the study group visited the headquarters of the International Labour Organization and Mr. Remo Becci, Head of the RAMS ILO-Geneva introduced the history and international role of the ILO. Then, students attended a lecture by Ms. Valerie Breda, technical expert from the Enterprises Department, Social Finance Programme, on the ILO's social financing program.
On the morning of January 10th, the study group visited the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Ms. Kaylois Henry the head of the Editorial Unit in the Communications and Public Mobilization Section, introduced the establishment goals, work content, and organizational structure of OHCHR to the students.
On the afternoon of January 10th, the study group visited the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG). Mr. Dominique Burgeon, Director of the Liaison Office with the United Nations, Geneva, and Mr. Gian Carlo Cirri, Director of the WFP Geneva Office, provided detailed introductions to the strategic framework, organizational structure, vision, and mission of FAO and WFP.
Professor Song Yang discussed the relationship between poverty alleviation and hunger and shared China's successful experiences in poverty reduction. He also explained China's experiences in breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and addressing child poverty based on his research. The students actively asked questions and exchanged ideas from various perspectives.
On the morning of January 11th, the study group visited the Confucius Institute jointly established by RUC and the University of Geneva. Guo Chunning, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute and Associate Professor at the School of Arts, and Basile Zimmermann, the Foreign Director of the Confucius Institute, warmly welcomed the group. Basile Zimmermann shared the original intention and development process of the Confucius Institute based on his personal experience.
On the afternoon of January 11th, the study group visited he Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland. Counsellor Li Yujie, Counselor Liu Yuyin, and young diplomats shared their experiences.
Professor Cui Shoujun summarized the program and expressed his gratitude to all the organizers, teachers, and students for their efforts and active participation. He emphasized the significance of the program in enhancing students' understanding of international organizations and providing them with valuable opportunities for future careers. He also encouraged the students to continue their exploration and research in the field of international organizations and contribute to the development of global governance.
On the morning of January 12th, all members of the study group arrived at the final destination of their trip, the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Ms. Ivy Zhang, Communication Officer of the Information and External Relations Division, provided detailed explanations to the students about the WTO's development history, organizational structure, and principles of decision-making.
The “International Organization Field Study Program” in Geneva, Switzerland, organized by the School of Global Governance at RUC, provided students with a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the work and challenges of international organizations. Through visits, lectures, discussions, and research, the participants deepened their understanding of various aspects of international organizations and expanded their knowledge and skills for future careers in this field.
