On 21 January 2026, the United Nations University (UNU) hosted an online event titled “Panel Discussion: Insights from United Nations University Junior Fellows – Pathways to International Careers”. The event, moderated by Aurélie Richard, Junior Fellow in the UNU Paris Office, featured her together with three current Junior Fellows in the Office of the Rector at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. Nearly 50 participants put forward an interesting mix of questions that the UNU Junior Fellows were able to respond to, making the online event relevant and lively. The event was part of the LearningPlanet Festival 2026, which took place from 21 to 28 January. Co-founded in 2020 by the Learning Planet Institute (LPI) and UNESCO, the LearningPlanet Festival has been organized each January to celebrate the International Day of Education.
The moderator opened the session with a concise introduction to UNU, followed by a brief overview of the Junior Fellows Internship Programme, before moving into the panel discussion.
The event offered students and early-career professionals a unique opportunity to hear directly from Junior Fellows about their academic journeys, professional experiences, day-to-day responsibilities, the skills and knowledge they developed, and the dynamic workplace culture at UNU. Panellists also discussed how this experience is shaping their future career paths and their plans following the internship programme.
The session closed with an engaging Q&A segment, with panellists responding to practical questions submitted by participants.
About the Junior Fellows Internship Programme
The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme provides graduate-level students and young professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the meaningful work of UNU and the UN system. Through comprehensive training, guidance, and hands-on experience, Junior Fellows develop valuable skills and knowledge that form a strong foundation for a career in the United Nations. Learn more at: https://unu.edu/junior-fellows-internship-programme
