2024 Internship Report - WU Lan

Name: WU Lan

Degree: PhD in Laws

University: The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Position: Energy and Climate Fellow

UN Host Agency: United Nations Development Programme China (UNDP China)

Duration: March 2024 – September 2024 (6 months)

Sponsorship: United Nations Peace and Development Foundation (UNPDF)

Supervisor: Ms. Violante di Canossa

Assignment:

Conduct research on energy and climate policy, with a particular focus on China's energy transition and alignment with global climate action efforts.
Regularly update datasets related to energy transition, carbon emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, green economy development, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) finance.
Draft internal reports, including the Country Common Agenda, concept notes, and country briefs on key energy and climate policy developments, informing UNDP's strategic positioning in China.
Prepare communication materials such as talking points, speech notes, and discussion notes for senior UN officials in China, ensuring alignment with ongoing energy and climate dialogues.
Assist in organizing and supporting major events, such as the SDG Impact Conference, which brought together leaders from government, private sector, and civil society.
Represent UNDP at external conferences, workshops, and seminars, reporting back on relevant energy and climate developments and insights.
Facilitate high-level visits, including the visit of Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, providing logistical and substantive support.
Participate in the recruitment process for interns and fellows, contributing to interviews and selection, and mentoring incoming team members.
Undertake various ad hoc tasks as requested by the supervisor and senior team members, ensuring flexibility in meeting the team’s dynamic needs.

Overview of Experience:

During my six-month Fellowship at UNDP China, I had the privilege of immersing myself in some of the most urgent issues of our time: the global energy transition, climate resilience, and the development of a green economy. Under the guidance of Ms. Violante di Canossa and the Strategic Partnership and Policy Team, I gained hands-on experience in high-impact projects that emphasized the complexity of aligning policy frameworks with the pressing demands of climate action and sustainable development.

One of my core responsibilities was to conduct in-depth research on China’s energy transition strategies, exploring how the country is leveraging renewable energy, advancing carbon neutrality goals, and integrating biodiversity preservation into its development plans. This research involved navigating a vast array of data, which I was tasked with updating and analysing regularly. By refining key datasets on carbon emissions, green finance, and biodiversity, I contributed to the creation of actionable insights that influenced internal reports and strategic recommendations.

I was also fortunate to play a role in drafting reports and communication materials that shaped both UNDP China’s internal dialogues and external engagements. These ranged from country common agendas to policy briefs, ensuring that energy and climate policies were addressed from multiple angles—technical, social, and economic. A particular highlight was my involvement in crafting talking points and speech notes for senior UNDP officials, providing strategic narratives that supported high-level discussions on China's role in global climate governance.

Participating in the SDG Impact Conference was another standout experience, as I witnessed firsthand how international development organizations, government officials, and the private sector collaborate to tackle shared challenges. Helping organise the event offered a deeper understanding of the logistical and diplomatic intricacies of coordinating large-scale international forums—a skillset that I look forward to applying in future roles.

Personal and Professional Growth:

Looking back, my Fellowship at UNDP China was an intense period of learning, collaboration, and self-discovery. Professionally, the depth of exposure I received in the fields of energy and climate policy far exceeded my expectations. One of the most rewarding aspects was the collaborative environment in which I worked—a setting where knowledge was freely exchanged, and where every team member’s voice was heard.

Ms. Violante di Canossa, my supervisor, was a source of constant inspiration. Her leadership style—marked by a rare combination of decisiveness and empathy—taught me valuable lessons in managing complex work tasks while maintaining a people-centered approach. She gave me room to grow, challenge myself, and, when needed, make mistakes. Her dedication to fostering the professional development of early-career team members like myself was palpable in every meeting, every piece of feedback, and every project review. I learned from her not only the technical aspects of policy analysis work but also the importance of cultivating resilience, adaptability, and kindness in leadership.

I also had the good fortune to work alongside Dr. Rong Shi, a professional economist whose rigorous approach to data analysis and policy research was a constant source of learning. Rong’s attention to detail and her deep understanding of macroeconomic trends relating to development were invaluable during our collaborative work on drafting various reports. She generously shared her wealth of knowledge on both the technical aspects of energy and climate economics and broader career advice. Our discussions often left me rethinking how I approached not only work but my own career aspirations.

Working with Ms. Yujing Zheng on project management tasks gave me a fresh perspective on the operational side of international development. Her tireless enthusiasm and pragmatic approach to problem-solving were infectious, showing me how critical it is to balance passion with efficiency. Ms. Yali Wang’s contributions as the team’s SDG Finance Specialist were equally influential. Her energy and clear commitment to driving financial innovation in support of the SDGs gave me a richer understanding of how finance plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development.

Other team members, including the interns and fellows (Jiyan Qiu, Wanlin Huang, Daryl Lamh, Xiaoning Li, Yihan Tian, and Yongxin Hou), brought diversity to our work culture, creating a friendly and inclusive environment. We shared not only professional experiences but also formed lasting friendships. The camaraderie in the office, from lively lunch breaks to thoughtful brownbag discussions, provided the emotional balance necessary to thrive in the fast-paced environment.

Reflections and Takeaways:

This Fellowship was more than just a professional experience—it was a profound period of personal growth. Beyond the technical skills and policy knowledge I acquired, the relationships I built with my colleagues and peers are among the most treasured aspects ofmy time at UNDP China. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of those I worked with reshaped how I view international development, environmental policy, and even myself. Whether through casual conversations or structured discussions, my peers consistently challenged me to think more critically and empathetically about the global challenges we face.

I was particularly struck by how the UNDP China office fostered an atmosphere of inclusion and collaboration. I never felt like just an intern or a fellow—I felt like an integral part of a team working toward a shared mission. This environment encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue tasks that, at first glance, seemed daunting, but ultimately provided me with deeper learning experiences.

Gratitude and Future Aspirations:

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the United Nations Peace and Development Foundation (UNPDF) for their generous sponsorship, which made this remarkable opportunity possible. Their commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and supporting young professionals in sustainable development is both admirable and deeply appreciated. This Fellowship has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional trajectory, and I look forward to carrying the lessons I’ve learned into my ongoing research on energy and climate law.

While this six-month journey with UNDP China has come to a close, the insights, friendships, and professional growth I gained will last a lifetime. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge from this Fellowship in my next steps, continuing to contribute to the cleanenergy transition and global climate action.