On January 8, 2025, the CISS Youth delegation from the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University visited the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO Beijing). The theme, “CISS Youth Dialogue with the United Nations—Empowering the Global Future through Innovation and Cooperation,” aimed to enhance youth understanding of UNIDO and its investment and technology promotion efforts. It also provided a platform for dialogue between youth and UN experts to explore the roles and opportunities for young people in supporting global industrial upgrading and green economic transformation.
The visit began with a tour of UNIDO ITPO Beijing’s facilities, including the lobby, reception rooms, conference rooms, and the Sustainable Development Library. Staff members detailed UNIDO’s principles of “inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability.”
Following the tour, a roundtable discussion titled “Career Paths at the United Nations” was held. Hou Zhifei, Administrative Operations Officer at UNIDO ITPO Beijing, introduced the organization’s structure, history, objectives, contributions, and practices in China. He emphasized how the office enhances the international competitiveness of local governments, investment promotion agencies, and enterprises through global forums, capacity building, investment promotion, research consulting, and partnerships, thereby fostering technological innovation and tripartite cooperation.
Zhang Yuanshinan, Secretary-General of CISS Youth, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and shared his experiences in global governance. He discussed with UNIDO ITPO Beijing experts how youth can engage in innovation and technology cooperation to support global industrial upgrading and green economic transformation. He also proposed establishing a long-term communication platform through seminars and other means to deepen cooperation and encourage CISS Youth to play a more active role in youth governance and global affairs.
During the exchange session, Li Sixun, Public Affairs and Training Officer at UNIDO ITPO Beijing, provided valuable advice on career development within the United Nations and detailed their investment and technology promotion work in China. Yu Chenminyue, ESG Issues Officer, shared her three experiences at the United Nations, encouraging youth to proactively gather information, accumulate relevant work experience, and continuously try new things in line with their long-term plans. Li Xintong, Project Assistant in the ITP Department at UNIDO Headquarters, discussed the diversity and challenges of UN work, relating them to the organization’s efforts and agendas in sustainable development.
CISS Youth members actively participated in the Q&A session, raising numerous questions on personal interests, career development, and the role of youth in global governance. For instance, Lei Wenceng, a member of the fifth cohort of CISS Youth, inquired about UNIDO ITPO Beijing’s role in promoting foreign investment in China and assisting Chinese enterprises in going global, as well as the impact of the current international situation on the office’s operations. Other members engaged in lively discussions on related topics, demonstrating the youth generation’s enthusiasm and thoughtfulness regarding international cooperation and sustainable development.
This visit not only deepened the CISS Youth’s understanding of UNIDO and its investment and technology promotion work but also laid a solid foundation for future collaboration. CISS Youth and UNIDO ITPO Beijing will maintain close contact, jointly promoting technological development and international cooperation and contributing wisdom and strength to global sustainable development.