The “Experience the U.N.” International Youth Delegation Embarks on a Geneva Visit

The first "Experience the United Nations" international youth delegation, jointly organized by the Beijing Wu Jianmin Foundation (WJF) and China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), arrived in Geneva, Switzerland on July 15, 2018 for a 10-day visit. Members of the delegation will experience in person the operations of the UN by attending meetings of international organizations and exchanging views with UN officials, which will prepare them for a future job in multi-lateral diplomacy.

Group Photo of the delegation

The “Experience the U.N.” international youth exchange program was launched in 2018 by WJF, aiming to provide outstanding young students willing to engage in foreign affairs with an opportunity to go out and directly communicate with officials from international organizations such as the UN, witness the operations of such organizations, so as to nurture talents with international vision. 

The program was launched in May at the CFAU. The first delegation consists of 10 outstanding Chinese young people, whose application essays were evaluated by an expert committee of senior advisors at CFAU and WJF.

Group Photo of the Delegation Members with Ambassador Yu Jianhua

Feng Wei, Secretary-General of the Beijing WJF, led the delegation to visit the Permanent Mission of the PRC to the UN Office at Geneva. They met with Ambassador Yu Jianhua and briefed him about the delegation. Ambassador Yu was satisfied with the preparation of the delegation and expressed hope that the students would cherish and make the best of this opportunity, hone their skills and improve themselves, so that to lay a solid foundation for becoming future diplomats. Ambassador Yu also compared the past and present, saying that, “China has not only stood up and become wealthy, but also become strong.” As China’s comprehensive strength improves, China’s international position has also changed dramatically. Not only does China’s voice have an impact on the world, but the world also needs to hear China. China used to be caught in a difficult position as a frequent target of the Western countries, but today, it has grabbed world attention with its wisdom and contribution to international affairs. Despite this change, we must not become complacent, said Ambassador Yu. “The rise of unilateralism, populism and protectionism still poses great challenges to the historic trend. Battles on international stage are fought in different ways, which further complicates the global situation,” he said. “As China walks towards the center of the world stage, we must hold firm the ideal of building a community of common destiny, and lead all countries to a win-win situation through equal and free cooperation.”

Ambassador Yu spoke highly of the program, believing that the such program was very valuable and meaningful. He added that China will still face challenges and containment from traditional powers as we move towards the center stage, but these are only fleeting troubles, and China will, like the Iron Man, undoubtedly overcome the difficulties and challenges.

Secretary-general Feng Wei and the delegation meet with Ambassador Yu Jianhua

Four young diplomats at the permanent mission introduced the operations of office and their experience to the students. Minister-counselor Zhang Yangwu presided over the meeting. Some of the highlights of the meeting include:

1. The diplomats all agreed that the overall situation is good. Geng Gai from the international affairs office said that when Ambassador Wu Jianmin was in office, China was frequently criticized by other countries on human rights issues. But this year, they all support China’s resolution of “win-win cooperation for the common cause of human rights”. Ambassador Yu’s keynote speech was well received. There is more space for China’s involvement in multilateral diplomacy and Chinese diplomats are able to engage in their work more smoothly. 

2. Cui Xiaotao from the Research Group emphasized that one of the most important qualities of a diplomat is a firm political position. A good Chinese diplomat must keep a clear mind and always remember his or her mission. 

3. Gao Jie from the Press and Public Affairs Group gave a keynote speech themed “how to tell the China story”. The power of speech is unbalanced because the West dominated the media and public information. Chinese youth must be able to speak up and tell China’s story. They must have confidence in and understanding of China’s culture and history, and only in so doing can they contribute to China’s public diplomacy. 

4. Zhang Chao from the Specialized Group shared their experience of “navigating” nearly 200 countries in Geneva. His candid and humorous stories gave students better understanding of their work at the frontline. 

The student members asked many questions regarding the challenges of diplomatic work, the characteristics of multilateral diplomacy and outposts, as well as career development. The diplomats shared their views in a candid manner. 

Roundtable with young diplomats of the permanent mission to UN office in Geneva

Secretary-general Feng Wei concluded the roundtable by thanking the Geneva mission for their warm welcome. He emphasized that the future of China’s diplomacy is dependent on the young people, and encouraged the students to study hard and grow into a qualified diplomatic talent, who are patriotic, knowledgeable and fluent in foreign languages. 

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which has the longest history among UN organizations and has a close relationship with the work of all other UN organizations. Especially in today’s world, their work is at the heart of the development of all sectors.  

The delegation paid a visit to Zhao Houlin, Secretary-general of ITU. He is the first Chinese person to hold this position in the 150-year history of ITU and the third Chinese to be in charge of a special unit of the UN. He started from the bottom. With his hard work and unique personal charm, he is highly recognized at home and abroad and has become a top leader of an international organization. 

Zhao said he hoped that more and more young people could contribute to China’s multilateral diplomacy. He briefly introduced the history of ITU and reflected upon his own personal experience from studying in Switzerland to the present day. Using personal stories, he explained that the most important thing about working at the UN is sincerity and integrity. He also emphasized that one should “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” He asked young diplomats to stand firm on their political grounds and stay loyal to China. “One must not show weakness in front of the powerful, and refrain from bullying the weak,” he told the students. 

 Photo with Zhao Houlin, Secretary-general of ITU

The delegation also met with Xie Feibo, special advisor to the secretary-general of ITU, and Mr. Preetam Maloor, Strategy and Policy Advisor of ITU. Mr. Maloor briefly introduced the history, function and daily operations of ITU, giving the students a better idea of the organization. The students actively participated in the discussion and asked many questions regarding cyber-security, regional cooperation and privacy. They were able to gain some new insights into the application and development of information technology through the discussion.  

Xie Feibo, special advisor to secretary-general Zhao, shows the students around ITU

Finally, the delegation visited the ITU building and learned more about their working environment. 

Roundtable with Mr. Preetam Maloor, Strategy and Policy Advisor of ITU

The students realized that the advancement of information technology has become one of the main driving forces of world development. The realization of 17 SDGs is closely connected to the work of ITU. With the development of its internet plus strategy, China has also become a front runner in information technology and its application. The young students expressed their determination to seize the opportunity and do their best for the Country.