UN Intern Reflection: Aidan Hyman, UNA-USA Fellow
Aidan Hyman serves as Environmental Affairs Intern at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. Aidan is supported by a grant from the UNA-USA Fellowship Initiative.
From June 24 to December 13th, I had the immense pleasure of serving as an Environmental Affairs intern for the Environmental Development Division (EDD) at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. I joined the air pollution team, where our primary objective was to assist with the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) and Airsheds projects.
The Sustainable Urban Development Section within EDD works with member States and key stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development in Asia and the Pacific through a programme of work focused on: developing and disseminating knowledge products that foster enhanced awareness and informed decision-making, providing technical assistance and supporting capacity development; strengthening intergovernmental processes; and networking and partnership development, among others.
Day-to-day my work consists of providing succinct analyses of current and emerging issues and trends of urban development processes in the Asia-Pacific region, conducting research and identifying case studies on urban policies and programmes and their impact on inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development, assisting with various organizational and substantive dimensions of programme and project implementation, and providing support to organize and conduct meetings relevant to the work of the section, including the drafting of documents, preparation for and backstopping of Intergovernmental meetings, and follow-up activities.
After having had the opportunity to backpack through rural communities in Asia in 2023, I was ecstatic to use my Agricultural & Environmental Technology degree to support projects that directly impact a few of the villages I stayed in. In addition to the technical skills I developed at ESCAP, I’ve also gained a global perspective on working in a diverse international office and the sheer scale of climate issues. For example, had you asked me about wildfire prevention and enhancing a country’s emission inventory, I would not have known how many factors affect rural agricultural burnings. Farmers burn agricultural waste across the country in massive heaps, which release PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter). These burnings, which happen on enormous scales across the country, contribute to an estimated 24% to 38% of Thailand’s total national emissions (the Bangkok Post). A new policy banning these burnings wouldn’t completely solve the issue; rather, it begs the question: Who will enforce these regulations? Who will pay for financial incentives to support the transition in rural farming communities? What other methods can we use to dispose of the waste?
Two of the most notable experiences I’ve had during my internship were being invited to participate in Clean Air Week, a series of workshops, seminars, and discussions on air quality management jointly hosted by the Korean Ministry of Environment and the United Nations ESCAP, and helping facilitate the high-level ministerial meeting on the 8th Committee on Environmental Development.
On 9 September 2024, I landed in Seoul, Korea, where Clean Air Week events immediately kicked off. The Korean Ministry of Environment hosted tours of their robust remote air quality monitoring facilities, where they showed us some of the most advanced emissions-capturing systems in the world. I was delighted to discuss and learn from the delegates of 13 member nations about the latest air quality monitoring satellites and remote sensing stations being deployed. I still have goosebumps from Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations’s call to action, and Kim-Wan Sup, the Korean Minister of Environment’s remarks on the urgency to address the adverse effects air pollution has on public health.
16 October 2024 World leaders and experts from all 53 Asian and Pacific member countries convened in Bangkok, Thailand. Sitting in the large United Nations conference hall, I could ask questions, take notes, and support in preparing supplemental documents and events. The committee meets every two years to review regional trends, identify priorities for action, promote dialogue, consider common regional positions, and promote a collaborative approach to addressing the region’s development challenges between Governments and civil society, the private sector, the UN System, and other international organizations. Attending and participating in such a high-level meeting as a senior in college has been an honor, and I am excited to use the stories I heard and the data I’ve collected to motivate my future career aspirations.
Little to say, this was one of the most quintessential experiences of my life to date, and I am beyond grateful to my mentor Matthew Perkins, our Director Sangmin Nam, our section Chief Kurt Carrigan, and every single one of my colleagues for treating me with respect, welcoming me into the office, and entrusting me with the full scope of the United Nations’ mission and work. I have seen my peers work late nights and go the extra mile to create tangible change through their projects.
A mentor once told me that working for the United Nations means dedicating your life to the people of the world as an international civil servant. My experience at the United Nations ESCAP has been no different. I am leaving ESCAP more motivated than ever to work towards our world’s climate resilience, ensuring that future generations can look up and see blue skies!

The UNA-USA Fellowship provides financial support for American undergraduates, undergraduates who have received their bachelor’s degree within one year of graduation, and first year master’s students who have secured unpaid internships with the United Nations. If selected, you can be awarded up to $13,000 for up to four months.
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