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LO Ming Ki, Maggie (UNDP Oslo, 2019)

  • Writer: UN PDF
    UN PDF
  • Jul 1, 2019
  • 6 min read
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Name: LO Ming Ki, Maggie

Degree: Master of Social Sciences in Nonprofit Management

University: The University of Hong Kong

Position: UN Research Intern

UN Host Agency: UNDP Oslo Governance Centre (OGC)

Duration: 12 November 2018 – 11 May 2019 (6 months)

Supervisor: Renata Lok-Dessallien, Senior Fellow

Sponsorship: United Nations Peace Development Foundation


PART A: WORK LIFE IN UNDP OSLO GOVERNANCE CENTRE (OGC)

UNDP OGC works closely with UNDP central and regional bureaus in New York headquarters and other relevant UN bodies in strengthening the overall analytical and learning ability in the area of governance and peacebuilding. The OGC areas of work are related to SDG 16. It is about human development, democratic governance and conflict prevention to support policy development and applied research, with an overarching focus on democratic governance and peacebuilding in crisis, conflict and transitional contexts. The Centre greatly values its partnership with its host government Norway.


WORKS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

My duties and responsibilities were mainly to assist and support my supervisor, Renata, on the issues of governance and peacebuilding transition in delivering policy analysis and research. I summarized various journals, articles and books related to the political transition from military to democratic majority in cross countries (e.g. Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay in Latin America; Philippines, Thailand and South Korea in South East Asia countries). Besides, I undertook further research and policy development analysis on governance and peacebuilding in transitions in order to obtain more details, which were the main reasons for military to start transitioning out of power, transition year, duration of transition, vestiges of military influence even after multi-party elections, and deals made by military to protect themselves against accountability. Also, I provided research support for the preparation of analytical pieces on comparative practical experiences.


Furthermore, I am very glad that I could take part in my supervisor’s two discussion papers. I assisted on multiple drafts in updating, modifying and formatting. They are an in-depth analysis of the UN response to the Myanmar crisis, and a generic analysis of contradictions and tensions that impede the UN in its responses to complex crises around the world, mainly in non-UN mission contexts. The former one was published in UNDP OGC’s online library [https://www.undp.org/content/oslo-governance-centre/en/home/library/upholding-un-principles-and-values-while-helping-to-resolve-comp.html)], while the latter one was for internal purposes. Renata and I cooperated very well and accomplished them efficiently.


In addition, I was also responsible for the resource management in the SDG16 Hub [https://www.sdg16hub.org/]. The task included uploading, summarising and categorising various types of materials to the Hub, such as annual reports, booklets, discussion papers, issue briefs and etc. Also, I did research on Youth Peace Security in Scandinavia countries.


Apart from working in the office, I joined assorted seminars, workshops and conferences to update and enrich the knowledge about the global and Norwegian situation, issues and research of nonprofit, peacebuilding and human rights etc. (part of them are shown as below)



LEARNT & GAINED

The following research, observation, analytical, communication, cooperation, and computer skills are gained:


Through summarizing and comparing political transitions across countries, research and analytical skills are improved. Most importantly, my knowledge and insight on international politics is increased, not only from second-hand data but also through talking initiatively with my well-experienced supervisor, a Brazilian intern and other colleagues. I have developed a better understanding of the past and current situation, and the similarity and different of these countries facing political transition issues.


From communication to observation, I was able to understand more varied cultures and practices, opinions and views on different political issues, and also learn more about my own weakness and strengths. This is one of the benefits to work in UN as people are from different backgrounds, cultures and experience. Besides, teamwork, proactive and communication are equally important in an organisation. Because of these, the discussion papers could be completed successfully.


From working in OGC to attending seminars, I could learn how OGC and other organisations try their hardest to contribute to society and the world to solve social problems by supporting and exchanging constructive ideas and opinions. It was motivating and meaningful for me to work here. I do hope I can work in a UN agency in the future to continue to help the need and tackle social problems.


During my internship, I not only obtained great experience, knowledge and skills, but I did also utilized and applied my skills that I learnt from university and pervious jobs, e.g. research, administrative and computer skills.


DIFFICULTIES & CHALLENGES

I was challenged by the topic of political transition in the beginning due to unfamiliarity with certain countries’ history, politics and the current situation. Much time was required for me to digest, but practice makes perfect. Also, it definitely helped to discuss with my supervisor and others.


Moreover, the preparatory work before the internship started (i.e. from applying the permit to finding a flat) was equally challenging. I was the first and only one Hong Kong student working in the Peace and Development Foundation Internship Program in UNDP OGC. Norwegian Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong did not have experience in preparing the residence permit for the internship. The waiting time of the residence permit was 4.5 months which was unexpectedly longer than mentioned on the website. It affected the start of the internship. Although there were challenges and difficulties, I always kept a positive attitude - “where there's a will there's a way”. I equipped myself for the internship during the waiting time, such as, engaging in workshops and seminars, starting unofficial summary work for Renata, and learning basic Norwegian.


Overall, I integrated into OGC family efficiently and love to work in the multi-cultural and harmonious working environment. My supervisor and colleagues were willing to share, guide and teach. They gave opportunities for me to learn and understand UN and UNDP.


PART B: LIFE IN OSLO, NORWAY

Apart from spending the majority of my time in working at UNDP OGC, I was active in exploring the city, learning interest classes, and making friends. It makes my internship journey extremely fruitful and completed.


NORWAY

Norway is a beautiful, clean and safe country. The population in Norway is around 5.4million[ https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/norway-population/

This works out at 14 people per square kilometer which means plenty of space for everybody. Compare that with Hong Kong with 6,480 per square kilometer to put things into perspective.]&[ 7.4million in Hong Kong (https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/so150.jsp)]. It is ranked the 1st in the 2019 World Press Freedom Index for the third year running[ https://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/norway-tops-the-2019-world-press-freedom-index]&[ Hong Kong is 73th], and the 3rd in the 2019 World Happiness Report[ https://s3.amazonaws.com/happiness-report/2019/WHR19.pdf

The report surveyed 156 countries and looked at a number of factors, including life expectancy and health, freedom and social support.]&[ HK is in 76th]. It has comprehensive facilities and policies, adequate open space, efficient transport and education system, and high civic engagement. People can get fresh and organic food easily.


Besides, it has a multitude of fjords with distinct four seasons. I experienced three seasons here: autumn, winter and spring. During autumn, vivant yellow leaves were on the tress; during winter, soft snow covered everything; during spring, the flowers blossomed everywhere gorgeously. I did love this place, especially freedom and the fresh air.


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