Gefu Yang
As a globally-minded individual hailing from an underdeveloped minority region of Yunnan, China, I have garnered invaluable cross-cultural experiences through my studies and work in a multitude of countries, including Thailand, Japan, the US, the UK, Spain and Austria. Throughout my professional journey with various international organizations and well-known corporations, I have honed my ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. In the last couple of years, I have developed a passion for international trade, sustainability, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and fostering economic development in developing nations and emerging economies.
“My life has been marked by a relentless pursuit of cross-cultural understanding, engagement and collaboration.”
Advocating for global change and diversity through international collaboration toward a better future
For as long as Gefu can remember, diversity has been an important part of his life. From his undergraduate studies at the ethnically rich Yunnan Minzu University to his Master in International Relations at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs in Madrid, Gefu’s academic life is a testament to the power of building connections across cultures.
There’s no question that Gefu is an influential networker with a remarkable capacity to unite people through his charisma, charm and leadership. During his undergraduate studies in China, he developed a keen interest in international affairs and even established his university’s first Model United Nations team. He also launched an English Corner, inviting international students from over 20 countries to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, and helped it transition to a virtual club during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gefu’s life has been marked by a relentless pursuit of cross-cultural understanding, engagement and collaboration. He enjoys diving into conversations about political and cultural prejudices and building bridges between different cultures. Nowadays, he finds himself working with people from all around the world, and he thrives in this diverse environment.
During his academic career, Gefu gained an understanding of the political challenges presented by globalization. After getting involved with every international exchange activity he could find, he realized that his generation has a responsibility to spread friendship across the globe and eliminate prejudices between cultures.
Gefu’s interest in the political landscape was piqued during the pandemic. When he stumbled upon the scholarship agreement between IE University and the China Scholarship Council, he saw an opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the political field at one of the most diverse educational institutions in the world.
Gefu’s hopes were made a reality when he was awarded the CSC-IE scholarship, and he took full advantage of the chance to work with students from such a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to learn in the hands-on, real-world diplomatic setting that IE University provides,” he says. Looking back, Gefu feels that his experience here cultivated his sensitivity to politics, improved his debating skills and honed his determination.
After completing his second master's degree, Gefu received a prestigious internship offer from the Trade and Investment Division at the ASEAN-China Centre in Beijing. Gefu used this opportunity to delve into international trade and economic development on a global scale, which led to his next role at the Office of South-South and Triangular Cooperation at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Gefu says that his time at UNIDO revealed a world rife with stark inequalities and myriad challenges that society must collectively work to solve. His pursuit of a more profound engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals led him to the UN headquarters in New York, where he assumed a pivotal role at the International Trade Center Representative Office at the UN.
Gefu’s role at ITC included bolstering collaboration with permanent missions of UN Member States. His responsibilities included analyzing country-specific information and identifying development program activities that aligned with ITC's strategic priorities. Simultaneously, he took charge of cultivating partnerships between ITC and diverse stakeholders.
During his time at ITC, Gefu’s biggest achievement was his participation in the preparatory efforts for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This transformative experience deepened his understanding of the multifaceted challenges and intricacies inherent in contemporary international cooperation. It also strengthened his unwavering conviction that the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals can only be realized through collaborative endeavors that unite nations across the globe.
As a young professional, Gefu is steadfast in his conviction that he must assume the role of a change-maker and a dedicated builder of the future. He says he is ready to make his mark on the global scene—and we at IE University are excited to see what he will achieve.
