Young UN trailblazers carving nation's path in world affairs

Zhang Wei, a graduate student studying horticulture at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, is one of a growing number of Chinese young people turning toward the United Nations, driven by a mix of idealism, professional ambition and China's expanding global role.

At the age of 24, Zhang made a choice that defied convention. Instead of completing the final year of her master's studies and heading straight into the job market after completing graduate studies in Shanghai, she took a one-year sabbatical and boarded a plane to Rwanda in eastern Central Africa.

There, as an agribusiness intern at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, she set herself on the path toward a once-unthinkable career.

"Agriculture wasn't exactly a conscious choice after the college entrance exam; I sort of ended up majoring in it. But as I studied and gained more exposure, I came to realize how vital agriculture is to human livelihoods. That awareness led me to start thinking about the career possibilities, and the heights one could reach with an agriculture degree," Zhang said of her journey to becoming an intern at the FAO's Rwanda Representation.

To realize her dream, Zhang focused on honing her English skills and participating in international organization exchange programs. In September last year, her perseverance finally paid off. She secured an FAO internship in Rwanda through a collaborative program between her university and the UN agency.

"I don't remember precisely when I first heard about the FAO, but it struck me as an amazing opportunity. I truly connect with the UN's core values. To me, the UN is all about building a better future for humanity, transcending political systems and cultures, striving for a more prosperous, just and sustainable world. That's the kind of environment I wanted to be a part of.

"Serving at the FAO enables me to use my skills and knowledge in a multicultural, professional setting, allowing me to contribute to something bigger and more impactful," said Zhang.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 54th year since the People's Republic of China resumed its lawful seat in the UN.

The UN is no longer a faraway concept for many young people in China, but a familiar and aspirational place to build a career, turning a once-exclusive dream into a realistic possibility.

The numbers bear this out. According to UN data, the number of Chinese citizens working in the system has more than doubled over the past 15 years, from 794 in 2009 to 1,664 in 2024. This growth also reflects China's deeper integration into multilateral governance.