As global governance continues to evolve, the United Nations and other international organizations play an important role in international cooperation, economic development, technological innovation, and sustainable development. For young people aspiring to engage in international affairs and pursue global career opportunities, understanding how international organizations operate, what they look for in candidates, and how their recruitment processes work is an important step towards developing global competence.

From November 8 to 10, Professor GONG Weixi, Chief Strategist of the Asia Simulation Federation, former Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and member of the Beihang University China-Europe Cooperation Committee, will deliver a liberal arts course titled “Global Competence”. Under the theme “Understanding Global Governance and Building the Skills to Work in International Organizations”, Professor GONG will draw on his extensive experience in international organizations and talent development to introduce the UN system, global career opportunities, job requirements, and career pathways in international organizations. The course aims to help young students better understand international organizations, develop their global competence, and explore new possibilities for their future careers.

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Guest Speaker | Professor GONG Weixi

Professor GONG Weixi is currently Chief Strategist of the Asia Simulation Federation and a member of the Beihang University China-Europe Cooperation Committee. He previously served as the first Director of UNIDO's Office for Global Investment and Technology Promotion and Division of Institutional Partnerships, Head of the Investment Promotion Unit in the Division of Trade, Innovation and Investment, Senior Coordinator for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, and UNIDO Representative to Iran (with the rank of Ambassador). He also chaired the UN Operations Management Team and the UN Energy Committee in Iran. Throughout his career, he has led major UN initiatives in global investment promotion, technology transfer, South-South cooperation, and international urban development conferences.

Developing globally competent talent requires leaders with genuine experience in multilateral diplomacy and international practice. Professor Gong brings nearly 27 years of experience at UNIDO, making him a dedicated practitioner of global competence within the United Nations system.

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Course Overview | From Understanding International Organizations to Planning Your Career

Global competence goes beyond having an international outlook and cross-cultural communication skills. It also involves understanding international rules, adapting to diverse working environments, and solving practical challenges through international cooperation.

This course covers the UN system, career opportunities in international organizations, and the global competence framework. Through several key learning modules, participants will develop a systematic understanding of how international organizations operate and the skills and qualifications they seek in potential candidates.

01 Understanding Global Governance and How International Organizations Operate

The course begins with an introduction to the mission, principal organs, and coordination mechanisms of the United Nations system. It also explores the locations and roles of major international organizations around the world, helping participants understand their respective positions and contributions to global governance.

02 Exploring Global Career Opportunities and Different Entry Pathways

The course examines career opportunities across international organizations and introduces different pathways to enter the field, including internships, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme, and the Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Participants will also learn about the grading systems of international organizations and career progression, helping them develop a long-term career plan.

03 Understanding the Global Competence Framework and Improving Job Readiness

The course introduces the core values, competencies, and professional skills that international organizations look for when recruiting talent. It also examines the structure of job descriptions (JDs) and recruitment criteria, guiding participants through keyword analysis, job profiling, and personal skills assessment to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

04 Taking Part in Recruitment Simulations and Learning to Present Your Skills

In the practical sessions, participants will learn how to use the STAR method to present their experiences and demonstrate their abilities. Through a simulated recruitment committee exercise, they will gain insight into different stages of the recruitment process, including initial screening, interview assessment, and final selection. By combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises, the course aims to help participants connect their academic and practical experiences with the requirements of international positions and develop a clearer career direction.

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Course Information | Begin Your Journey Towards Global Competence

Course Title

Global Competence

Course Theme

Understanding Global Governance and Building the Skills to Work in International Organizations

Speaker

Professor GONG Weixi

Course Dates and Time

November 8, 9, and 10, 2026
7:00–9:00 PM each evening

Venue

Room C2-1001, Beihang University International Innovation Institute, Hangzhou

Who Should Attend

Senior undergraduate students (third- and fourth-year), master's and doctoral students, and young faculty members.

Working towards a career in an international organization requires more than a broad international outlook. It also calls for a deep understanding of global governance and professional skills that match the requirements of international positions. Drawing on Professor GONG Weixi's extensive experience in international organizations, this course will guide participants through the UN system, recruitment standards, and career pathways in international organizations. It aims to turn the ambition of working in an international organization into a clearer and more practical career plan.

From understanding the world to finding your place in it. From November 8 to 10, young people interested in international affairs and careers in international organizations are invited to join the Global Competence course. Together with Professor GONG Weixi, participants will explore international career opportunities and the skills required to pursue them, taking meaningful steps towards a future on the global stage.