New program to train talent in global governance launched

As part of the nation’s effort to further improve its participation in global governance and talent cultivation in international organizations, Fudan University and the Shanghai Rong Chang Foundation jointly launched a program in March to train talent in the field of global governance.

The Shanghai Rong Chang Foundation will provide financial support to the program, donating a total of 6 million yuan ($945,580) to the Education Development Foundation at Fudan University over three years starting in 2018.

The program will provide its members with internship and job opportunities in international organizations and conduct research in collaboration with the academic institutions at Fudan University, including the Global Governance Institute, the Global Governance Research Center and the International Organization Research Center.

“We will further establish longterm relationships with more international organizations in terms of talent exchanges and other related issues,” said Chen Zhimin, the assistant principal of Fudan University.

Wang Jianming, a council member of the Shanghai Rong Chang Foundation, said the focus of the program is to broaden students’ insights into domestic and international affairs.

Liu Ningning, a 24-year-old graduate law student at Fudan University, is currently working as an intern in the services division of the trade and agriculture department at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Thanks to the program, I have the opportunity to assist with the monitoring and analysis of the laws and regulations regarding services in China, the UK, Canada and South Africa. I hope this project can inspire more students to devote themselves to enhancing China’s role in international affairs,” said Liu.

Chen Yuying, a 24-year-old graduate student in international relations and public affairs at Fudan, worked as an intern at the department of public information at the United Nations for four months in 2016.

“Most of the people working there have rich global experiences. There are former employees of NGOs in the Middle East and Africa, experts with over 10 years of experience in various industries and young scholars who are keen on tackling diplomatic issues,” she said.

“The internship has taught me that life is filled with multiple choices, and one needs passion and courage to overcome difficulties on the road to a successful career,” she said.

Chen Dongyang, who interned at the department of public information at the United Nations earlier this year, suggested building a platform that can showcase the stories of different Chinese interns in international organizations.

“Such a platform will motivate more young people to join us in making a contribution to the world’s development,” said Chen.

PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Fang Xidong (right) accompanies a Chinese trade group during a visit to a sugar plant in Casablanca, Morocco, in December.