ZHUHAI, China – A delegation of students from the Globalisation and Development (GAD) Programme of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) concluded a highly successful field trip to Beijing from November 2 to 7, 2025. The trip, which served as the capstone experience for the International Organization Study and Field Trip course, marked a highlight of BNBU’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.

GAD teachers and students took a group photo at the entrance of the UN Building in Beijing

GAD teachers and students with Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China

Led by Dr. Edoardo Monaco, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences (DSS), the delegation included Assistant Professor Dr. Michal Vavrik, Assistant Instructor Ms. Aileen Chen, and Department Secretary Mr. Scott Tan. The group engaged with ten prestigious international organizations and institutions, showcasing BNBU’s commitment to innovative, hands-on education that blends Chinese heritage with a global perspective.

The intensive schedule featured high-level dialogues with United Nations agencies such as UNDP, ILO, and UNHCR, alongside global bodies like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the World Resources Institute (WRI). The itinerary also included academic exchanges with Peking University and Beijing Normal University (BNU), offering students a comprehensive view of the global governance ecosystem.

Ms. Violante di Canossa, Chief Economist of the UNDP China Office, introduced the UN development projects to the GAD students.

At the ILO Beijing Office, GAD students diligently studied and engaged in discussions on the relevant topics

GAD teachers and students visited the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

GAD students and students from the China Foreign Affairs University engaged in lively discussions and shared insights

GAD students discussed sustainable development issues at the World Resources Institute (WRI)

Professor Meng from Peking University explained the university's specimens to the GAD students

GAD teachers and students visited the World Animal Protection Beijing Office(WAP)

GAD students visited the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Professor Zhang Qi from Beijing Normal University's Poverty Alleviation Research Institute introduced the national poverty alleviation strategy to the students

Group photos of GAD teachers and students with representatives from various international organizations

A standout moment of the trip was a special session at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, where students interacted with Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, who leads all 26 UN agencies in the country. In a wide-ranging dialogue, Mr. Chatterjee discussed topics spanning global governance and UN reform to the importance of holistic well-being and mindfulness in leadership.

Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in China, delivered a speech to GAD students

Department Head Dr. Edoardo Monaco briefing at the meeting room of the UN Building

Students actively asked questions, engaged in discussions, and deliberated on youth leadership

Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee answered questions from the students

Dr. Monaco reflected on the achievement: *“This field trip represents both the practical fulfilment of GAD’s educational philosophy and a fitting celebration of the growing impact of our Department of Social Sciences within BNBU’s 20-year legacy. The access to ten prestigious organizations, culminating in a dialogue with the UN’s senior-most representative in China, demonstrates recognition of our programme’s quality. It provides our students with an unparalleled, real-world understanding of international affairs and professional opportunities.”*

By bridging classroom theory with direct exposure to professionals shaping global policy, the trip equipped students with unique insights into career pathways and contemporary challenges in international development. This milestone not only enriched the academic journey of GAD students but also underscored the transformative role of DSS and FHSS in advancing BNBU’s global vision.