On September 6th, the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) held the symposium for the first batch of international volunteers of Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech).

According to the Overseas Service Plan for Chinese Youth Volunteers Service Programme for Serving the UN Agencies (the 2nd Batch), SUSTech has developed a school-level programme to respond to the call. After several selection rounds, Zhang Tong and Deng Chunli were finally selected and will respectively go to The Republic of North Macedonia and The Republic of Serbia this October to engage in the six-month international volunteering services.

The United Nations Overseas Volunteering Programme – Job Information

As the only Category-2 institution of UNESCO in China focusing on higher education, UNESCO-ICHEI attaches great importance to cultivating international talents. Organised by Han Wei, executive deputy director of ICHEI, Li Fan, Assistant Director and Chief of the Asia-pacific Programme Office, Dr. Feng Siyuan, Curriculum Specialist of International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), and Yang LAN, Programme Officer for Curriculum Development, attended the meeting, discussing in detail about the UN volunteering work with Zhang Tong and Deng Chunli, the two UN volunteers selected by SUSTech. Li Fan and Dr. Feng Siyuan patiently oriented the volunteers to adapt to the overseas work environment, observe and learn diligently, become professional problem solvers, and establish meaningful links between China and the UN. Executive deputy director Han encouraged the volunteers to develop a sense of mission at work, enhance multicultural understanding and communication, and establish the Chinese Youths’ image in international cooperation and competition.

During the early selection process, UNESCO-ICHEI had actively supported SUSTech in volunteer training. Dr. Feng Siyuan and Yang Lan introduced the UN framework and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the candidates, and trained them about UN Competency-based interview skills in improving their understanding of the position.

UNESCO-ICHEI holding the symposium for the first batch of SUSTech international volunteers

DENG Chunli: “I appreciate the great support from UNESCO-ICHEI in terms of volunteering preparation, cultivation of essential knowledge and skill required by the position. These valuable sharing made me realise that we are not only representing ourselves, but also representing SUSTech, Shenzhen, and even China. As the first batch of overseas volunteers of SUSTech, we should have a sense of mission and responsibility, accumulate rich experience in voluntary work, and set good examples for more outstanding youths in future.”

ZHANG Tong: “The communication with UNESCO-ICHEI leaders benefitted me a lot and made me feel a sense of belonging. Relying on the platform support provided by SUSTech and UNESCO-ICHEI, I felt more confident and empowered to achieve the missions volunteering in North Macedonia. I look forward to obtaining unique experience there, as well as more cooperation and development. I am very grateful to the resources and help provided by UNESCO-ICHEI!”

Executive Deputy Director Han Wei, Li Fan, Dr. Feng Siyuan, Yang Lan from UNESCO-ICHEI and those two volunteers

In recent years, relying on the high-quality academic resources and teaching philosophy of SUSTech, UNESCO-ICHEI has promoted higher education digital transformation in developing countries and expanded its international network, while actively cultivating youth talents to participate in global affairs and broaden their horizons. At the same time, ICHEI has researched talent training programs for international organisations regarding service capacity building, sustainable development, and multilateral collaboration, based on the global partnership network and diverse practical experience. Nowadays, the world is undergoing profound changes, and it is of unique historical significance to promote youth talents to the international stage. UNESCO-ICHEI adheres to the responsibility and leadership in talent cultivation, and will continue to contribute to delivering a tier of youth talents with capability, responsibility, and global vision.