Delivering as One, a UN in China conversation presented by Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee: Episode 16 with Jingbo Huang, Director of UNU Macau

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In the sixteenth episode of the UN in China podcast, UN Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee sits down with Dr. Jingbo Huang, Director of the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau).

Dr. Huang, a Chinese national, grew up alongside her sister with the ambition to become a musician. With her father as a composer, she was sent off to study piano and follow in his footsteps. But thanks to the influence of her mother, a medical doctor, she pursued a different academic and career path. However, she cites her musical background as one that provides an enduring source of inspiration. A lifelong learner, she first received her Bachelor's degrees in Economics and French from Peking University in China. She went on to gain a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from the Institut d’Etudes de Grenoble in France and a second Master’s degree in French Instruction from Indiana University-Bloomington in the United States. Her latest qualification is a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University in the United States, specialized in Communication, Computing and Technology in Education.

With over 20 years of experience in the UN system, she first joined in 2000 as an intern and later a consultant with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris. Later she worked in a variety of roles within the UN Secretariat and as a Learning Specialist for United Nations Development Programme in New York. After 13 years in New York, she then joined the United Nations System Staff College in Turin, leading a team to design, develop and deliver the executive management programmes for the UN System leaders. Given her strong experience within the UN system and a desire to be closer to family, she then moved on to her current role at UNU Macau, joining the UN family in China in 2018.

“Actually, music and my UN work…it has some connections, it’s about solidarity, it’s about working together, it’s about collaboration...”

In this episode, Dr. Huang outlines the history and mission of UNU and UNU Macau. Established in 1972 to function as a bridge between the international academic community and the UN System through collaborative research and education, UNU commenced academic activities in 1975 through its headquarters in Tokyo. Today, UNU encompasses 13 institutes located in 12 countries around the world, each with its own specialization. Supported by the Governments of China, Portugal and Macau, UNU began its presence in Macau in 1991, focusing on software technology. Growing out of this foundation, UNU Macau was then reshaped with a broader agenda as a global think tank on digital technologies and sustainable development.

During the conversation, Dr. Huang highlights UNU Macau’s work to encourage data-driven and evidence-based actions and policies in various policy areas. On gender tech, she raised the EQUALS Research project that examined gender equality in digital access, skills and leadership to identify inequalities and potential remedies. On migrant tech, she brings up UNU Macau’s collaborations with groups such as the International Organization for Migration in China on activities to understand how technologies can support the empowerment and dignity of migrant workers.

Together with the Resident Coordinator, the two discuss other challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, particularly in the areas of sustainable decision-making tech and cyber resilience, as well as UNU Macau’s work to leave no one behind and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the UN system in China.

Siddharth Chatterjee

Siddharth Chatterjee took office as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China on 16 January 2021 and is the designated representative of - and reports to - the UN Secretary-General. He presented his letter of credence to the President of China on 14 April 2021.

Mr. Chatterjee has more than 25 years of experience in international cooperation, sustainable development, humanitarian coordination and peace and security in the United Nations and the Red Cross movement. He has served in many fragile and war-torn countries all over the world.

A 3 times TEDx speaker, he is a regular opinion contributor on humanitarian and development issues for a range of journals which includes Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, Reuters, Huffington Post, Forbes, CNN, Al Jazeera, the Guardian and as of late has also published in mainstream Chinese journals.

Mr. Chatterjee holds a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University in the United States of America.

Jingbo Huang

Dr. Jingbo Huang is the Director of the United Nations University Research Institute in Macau, a UN think tank on digital technology and SDGs. She has 20+ years of UN working experience. She has held various managerial positions in the UN Secretariat, UNDP, UNESCO, UNSSC and UNU. Jingbo received her Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University. She holds a Master’s degree from Institut d’Etudes de Grenoble, France, and the second Master’s degree from Indiana University-Bloomington. She graduated from Peking University, with Bachelor degrees in Economics and French. She has been a career advisor and visiting professor at the Sun Yat-sen University since 2007.