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Asia Monitor
UNU e-Newsletter Issue 19. January 2007 Introduction Experiences at
the UNU Centre, I was fascinated from the outset by the
way in which the internship programme was carried out. The summer was a great
mix of social events, essential trainings, presentations and provided a good
feel of work in the UN House. From the first day onwards, wherever I
went, I was met with smiles in the hallways of the building as Dr. Iino, my
internship supervisor, toured me around the office for introductions. My
awareness was raised with a just couple of hours of UN security training as
well as a general introduction to the work at ESD. Having been on other
internships with law firms and the District Court in General Work and Training at Headquarters I was assigned diverse tasks to work
on. These included but were not limited to research on carbon dioxide
emissions (which served as a way to deepen my knowledge of the UNFCCC),
research on the legal accountabilities of international organizations for
damages incurred in operations, as well as writing research briefs on topics
of my own choice. What is really impressive at the UNU is that when
talking with people in the building, you will discover expertise in many
various areas, from chemistry, forestry, political science, IT, media, to
economy and others. Interns can be brought up to speed regarding almost any area
of interest if they just take the time to ask around. Working with diverse matters was also
insightful because I was given an overview of the work undertaken by
different UN bodies, funds and civil research networks all over the world.
The various social events were a great
way of mingling and getting to know other interns, staff and guests at the
UNU. There were even opportunities to interact with external researchers
from all over the world, both during international conferences hosted by the
UNU and at the accompanying soirées afterwards. I never felt out of place as
an intern. On my first day of the internship, I was invited to lunch by
the ESD academic officers. The rest of the week proceeded in a similar manner
– lunching with different colleagues every day until I felt at home. For
that, I am most grateful. What I gained from the Internship I want to underline that this
international placement was a truly amazing experience and surpassed all my
expectations. It was with a heavy heart that I was about to leave my
friends at the UNU, even though I would leave filled with memories and
experiences. As it turned out, I was offered a paid contract to stay with the
UNU for another seven months to continue working on environmental projects
and even starting up projects and doing research of my own. The internship equipped me with
knowledge of many aspects of the work at the UNU and at other international
organizations. It has deepened my understanding of international development
work and of international legal theory, which was and still is my primary
field of academic interest. In addition, the internship allowed me to become
more involved in the work of the UNU as full-time staff. It provided me with
a glimpse of the quality of the work regularly undertaken by the UNU and of
the challenges facing all international organizations. Finally, the internship gave me a good
feel of what it is like to work in a truly international environment, which
differs quite a bit from working and living in Sweden – or even in Japan. Acknowledgments This
newsletter is a quarterly bulletin made possible with the support of
Shimadzu, Japan |
