GYLA provides a multicultural learning opportunity and environment for college students who aspire to become entrepreneurs, international civil servants and cross-cultural international talents, allowing them to learn and understand the expertise of cutting-edge disciplines, the knowledge and knowledge of the United Nations system and other international institutions. information. GYLA aims to broaden the horizons of college students, update their concepts, let them know more about the specialized knowledge of international organizations and institutional operations, and lay a certain foundation for their future professional and career development.
By participating in GYLA, more and more students are going to the international stage, entering internships in international organizations, showing their personal style, and using their own practical actions to work hard to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During the academy, I gained so much from the master classes, which were carefully designed with various perspectives – knowledge of ILO, decent work for youth, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Particularly, we focused on SDGs. What impressed me the most was the topic of decent work, especially for youth, linked to Goal 10 – decent work and economic growth. I was inspired on the lecture given by Professor Angelika Messner talked about sustainable lifestyle. She used an ancient China’s story to stress the importance of sympathy. And I think that’s actually the key to sustainable development. Only when people start to think from other’s place and try to respect different cultures can there be sustainable development. And that, I believe is the quality and ability a future world leader should have. That is one of my greatest takeaways from the academy.
Apart from classes, we also attended several study visits and excursions. Because I am studying tourism management, I really appreciate the chance to visit some world-class tourist sites and destinations, which can actually contribute a lot to my research. For example, we visited Venice, which is a world-class tourist destination.
As a tourist, I personally found it absolutely fascinating. As a researcher in tourism field, I have identified many points that are worth examining. For instance, I noticed that the increasing volume of tourists has accompanied the decrease of local residence. There must exist some conflicts and negotiation there. Therefore, how to achieve the balance between meeting the need of tourism and maintaining wellbeing of local people, is a crucial problem.
What is more, I believe there are many things we can learn from tourism in Venice. For example, in many Chinese tourists’ sites, same souvenirs are being sold in the shops, some of which are even in poor quality. However, in Venice, shops have varied, qualitied goods provided, which enhances the consumption of tourists. I believe these are all topics that are worth paying attention to.
I have been dreaming of working and studying in international organizations. I hope one day I can be an intern or even a full-time employee in the UN. It used to seem far away, but Global Youth Leadership Academy just made it closer. In the future, I will carry the experience and skills I’ve gained from the academy and work harder to achieve my goal.