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New UN Volunteers from SISU: Ready to Make a Global Impact!


11 September 2024 | By SISU Youth | SISU Youth / Vieira

English
  • New UN Volunteeras from SISU

    Group photo of volunteers and attendees

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    International trainers giving offline classes

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    Volunteers visiting the First National Congress of the CPC Memorial Hall

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    Yang, Wang, and Zhang confer flags to representative volunteers

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    Volunteers receiving certifications

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    All participants undergoing training

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    Volunteers visiting the First National Congress of the CPC Memorial Hall

  • New UN Volunteers from SISU

    Overview of volunteer participation of SISU

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A New Journey of Great Expectations

The deployment ceremony for the fourth group of “China Youth Volunteer Overseas Service Program - Serving UN Agencies” took place at the Hongkou Campus of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) on September 2nd, 2024. 51 volunteers from 23 universities, including SISU, and key representatives from government agencies, international cooperation bodies, and universities attended.

Wang Jing, vice university council chair, highlighted the role of youth in global volunteerism and in promoting China. In her remarks on behalf of the participating universities, she expressed her belief that the integration of large-scale young volunteer groups into international voluntary service holds significant importance with the evolution of the global governance system. She also emphasized that if young individuals dedicate themselves to showcasing China to the world, they could present a more dynamic and progressive image of China to the global community.

Yang Yegong, deputy director of the volunteer service center of the Youth League Central Committee, encouraged volunteers to enhance global communication and promote China on the international stage. He expressed his aspiration for all participants to adhere to volunteer spirits and facilitate international communication as a bridge; to capitalize on opportunities by transforming their professional knowledge into practical skills to improve service delivery; and to present a more comprehensive China to their peers and international friends, thereby contributing to the establishment of a Global Community of Shared Future. At last, he wished them a safe, pleasant and fruitful journey.

Niels Vestergaard Knudsen, chief of external relations and communications at United Nation Volunteers (UNV), called for increased dedication from UN volunteers in his video address. He expressed appreciation for all collaborators in this project and his hope that everyone could recognize the significant influence volunteers make on the UN system. Therefore, he encouraged them to continue their hard work, persevere, and share more about UN volunteers with the world.

Zhang Nan, director of China office of UNV program, stressed the importance of embracing challenges and advancing UN development goals. He expressed his hope that everyone could face challenges with an open mind and benefit the community where they are to volunteer. Additionally, he encouraged them to take on the roles of doers and pioneers in championing UN development concepts, particularly in key fields such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, high-quality education, green economy and inclusive development.

Tian Yuanshi, director of UN Operation Office at the China International Center For Economic And Technical Exchange (CICETE), commended the cooperation between China and the UN and advocated for youth involvement. After reviewing the collaborative efforts between China and the UN since the reform and opening up, she acknowledged the significance of such volunteer projects in strengthening the Global Community of Shared Future. Tian also invited young people to contribute to international development and supported major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

 

Preparing Fully for the Voyage Ahead

Prior to the deployment ceremony, all volunteers (comprising 105 active and reserve volunteers) underwent a three-day pre-service training from the Training and Research Base of China Youth Volunteers Overseas Service Program, SISU. The training aimed to deepen their understanding of the initial mission and their roles as Chinese youth volunteers with profound patriotism and excellent overseas service capability.

This year, the scope of volunteers has broadened, encompassing national and international volunteers across various demographics, from professionals to youth. Concurrently, in alignment with directives from the Youth Volunteer Action Guidance Centre of the Youth League Central Committee and the Secretariat of the China Youth Volunteer Association, reserve volunteers will undergo training alongside active volunteers to bolster a substantial talent pool of young international volunteers.

Federica Milano and Vojislava Tomic Radivojsa, international trainers from the UNV, conducted a series of workshops for the volunteers focusing on the themes of UN agency work concepts, content, models, and challenges. Additionally, all volunteers visited the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the CPC as part of the training to learn and reflect on the glorious history of the founding of the CPC so as to reinforce their ideals and convictions.

In the past five years, SISU has always attached great importance to the effectiveness and long-term development of this program, regarding it as a valuable talent pipeline to international organizations. Currently, 15 young volunteers from SISU are actively contributing in UN branches worldwide, with a particular focus on the ‘Belt and Road’.

Following the deployment ceremony, three new volunteers from SISU will start their six-month overseas volunteer service as assistants at the Laos Office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Egypt Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sri Lanka Office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Moving forward, SISU remains committed to the program, staying abreast of the latest trends in international voluntary service. In alignment with diplomatic efforts and national strategic development, the training and research base of CYVOSP (SISU) will support SISU volunteers in showcasing their vigorous international presence and enhancing their capacity in global affairs.

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Press Contact

SISU News Center, Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Tel : +86 (21) 3537 2378

Email : news@shisu.edu.cn

Address :550 Dalian Road (W), Shanghai 200083, China