● What you learned from the internship program / インターンシップでの学び

Under the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC is supporting the global response to climate change. My work focused on the PCCB Network which is a global network of climate-related capacity-building actors. Through my internship, I was able to learn the UNFCCC processes, and develop a strong understanding of capacity-building both under and outside of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Working with the PCCB Network was an incredible opportunity to see in-the-field capacity-building work all over the world, and to work with a diverse set of capacity-building actors. I attended and supported webinars and events, organized side-events and maintained email communications for the PCCB Network. Outside of the PCCB Network, I was able to support the 3rd Capacity-building Hub at COP26.
 

●The linkage between the internship program and UNFA Course contents / 国連・外交コース授業での学びとインターンシップ

My classes with UNFA were incredibly helpful in both preparing for and supporting me during my internship with the UNFCCC Secretariat. I was able to build a foundational understanding of the UN’s history, ideas, and organizations and overall structure. In addition to classes focused on specialized topics such as multilateral negotiations, I was able to take Career Seminar for International Organizations which focused on career planning and preparation which was a major help in apply for and locating my internship. And during my internship, I took classes such as Seminar in Global Environmental Policy and Research Project in the United Nations which helped me deepen my understanding of the UN and Climate Change as well as learn how to write project proposals.

●Future career plan / 将来の目標、キャリアプラン

For my future career plan, I would like to work in Japan and continue to work on climate change with the United Nations. Before I can work full time with the UN, I need two years of relevant work experience. To achieve this, I plan on working with an organization that is actively addressing climate change.

●What you thought after the internship / インターンシップに参加しての感想

My experience with the UNFCCC Secretariat has been incredibly impactful both in my understanding of climate change in relation to the UN’s actions, as well as the current actions of capacity-building actors around the globe. Since my internship focused on the work of the PCCB Network, I have developed a deep understanding of capacity-building actors and projects, even though this is just one component of the work of the UNFCCC Secretariat. I also developed a clear understanding of the UNFCCC processes, the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Having seen capacity-building projects in a huge range of topics, I have developed a strong interest in climate-related capacity-building and would like to continue following the work of the PCCB and PCCB Network.