Editor's Note:

Tsinghua University plays an active role in promoting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by nurturing innovative talents，enhancing research, among many other important ways.

Gong Zaizuo, a Tsinghua University undergraduate in the School of Environment, has devoted himself to addressing the world's environmental problems ever since he started college. He does so as a witness, participant, and future builder of a more sustainable world. After attending United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) and interning at the World Economic Forum (WEF), his understanding as a global youth deepened. Today, let’s listen to his story.

“During my internship, I had a Korean friend that sprang to mind. He worked in the same department as an intern as well. We both share a passion for, interest in, and conviction about dedicating ourselves to world affairs, so when I said goodbye and saw him off to his home country, I had an incredibly strong feeling that we would most likely cross paths again in the international arena. ”

When asked about his intern experience, Gong Zaizuo supplemented this touching detail. This young student, who was once an observer at COP15 and intern at the Beijing Representative Office of the World Economic Forum (hereafter referred to as the Office), consistently adheres to his commitment to global environmental affairs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a sense of mission.

01At the Global Environment Program

Zaizuo felt "destined" to enroll in the GEP at Tsinghua University in 2019, a program designed to develop the next generation of environmental leaders.

He attended an orientation from the School of Environment four years ago while taking part in a summer camp following the National College Entrance Exam. He was particularly intrigued by the introduction of GEP.

Zaizuo at Tsinghua

“I'm committed to pursuing a career that is first and foremost helpful to the rest of the globe and the nation.

"So this program fits me perfectly," Zaizuo said.

In the interview, he doesn't mind using the word "impulsive" to describe his decision at the time. Despite the likelihood of failure and the possibility of rejection, Zaizuo fell in love with and applied for this program that was in line with his aspirations while hanging out in the Great Hall's wooden circle filled with tables of admission teams from all departments.

That’s his first step.

According to Zaizuo, the uniqueness of studying in GEP lies in two layers.

Firstly, he was required to register for courses not only in Environmental Engineering, but in economics, law, international relations, and public management. Accumulating interdisciplinary knowledge, Zaizuo practiced his capability in evaluating environmental problems from different perspectives.

“Global environmental issues are multifaceted. To solve them, we not only need the environmental technology but consider its economic and social impact,” Zaizuo concluded.

02At COP15

Encouraged and supported by GEP, Zaizuo attended the COP15 in Montreal, Canada as an observant in November 2022, applying what he had learned into practice.

COP 15

Zaizuo visited Canada for six days, attending several seminars and negotiations while engaging in the many cultural events.

Just like the World Cup, global biodiversity issues foster international understanding.

The Argentinean environment minister's key point was the most noteworthy. It so happened that the World Cup final—France vs. Argentina—took place on the Conference's final day.

Zaizuo in Montreal

Despite being one of the tens of thousands of attendees, this experience helped him to better understand negotiations and the purpose of youth.

"The more negotiations take place in a climate of failure, the more likely they are to succeed."

"It's less likely that people with different stances will come to a consensus when an issue is less serious," he said. But because there is no agreement, the situation will only get worse before it becomes critical.

"I believe that as young people, we can encourage the relevant parties to focus on these concerns as soon as possible and take more proactive action."

That’s his second step.

03At WEF

Zaizuo began preparing for the third phase early on.

"There is no doubt that a formal job at an international organization will be a part of my career development, but it may become a reality in the future." He believed it was vital to get additional expertise and put his abilities to the test before embarking on this quest.

That's why, from June to August 2022, Zaizuo interned at the World Economic Forum (WEF).

He aspired to develop his talent through various jobs, and WEF appeared to be an opportunity.

Zaizuo was a member of the Content and Interaction (C&I) Team, which is in charge of managing the Office's conferences, including the well-known Summer Davos. He was specifically involved in the preparation of the unique video debate between former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and global businesspeople, the series' highest level and most important meeting.

“The moment Premier Li Keqiang said ‘Goodbye,’ I heard everyone in the room, including staff from WEF and the Chinese government, breathe a long sigh of relief because the meeting had finally come to a successful conclusion,” Zaizuo said in retrospect of this intense and fulfilling internship.

Every successful conference is the result of his team's tireless efforts. Following extensive research, Zaizuo's team proposed a plan for this special dialogue that included two online meeting rooms and one webinar room. Following approval, they determined the meeting's agenda, practiced the process, set up Zoom backstage, and created the link to the meeting.

Zaizuo at WEF

Zaizuo managed the meeting room as a co-moderator and ensured the successful completion of the meeting. During this process, he had to communicate and coordinate a lot with not only WEF Headquarters but the Premier’s team, which practiced his communication skills and gave him a sense of achievement.

The Korean friend aforementioned is the souvenir of this journey, through which Zaizuo’s resolve into tackling global issues, especially environmental ones, is enhanced. From GEP to WEF and COP15, he consistently felt surrounded by people passionate about global affairs and immersed in an aspiration to work for the welfare of humankind.

As a quote from Theodore Roosevelt says, “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” That’s what this young student from Tsinghua has done in pursuit of his dream.

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