This report is for the Peace and Development Foundation which provided the sponsorship for me during the internship in UNDP OGC.

1. 1
2018 INTERNSHIP REPORT – LO MING KI
Name:
Degree:
University:
Position:
UN Host Agency:
Duration:
Supervisor:
Sponsorship:
LO Ming Ki
Master of Social Sciences in Nonprofit Management
The University of Hong Kong
UN Research Intern
UNDP Oslo Governance Centre (OGC)
12 November 2018 – 11 May 2019 (6 months)
Renata Lok-Dessallien, Senior Fellow
United Nations Peace Development Foundation

2. 2
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 library1, 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 Hub2. 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)
1
https://www.undp.org/content/oslo-governance-centre/en/home/library/upholding-un-principles-and-values-while-
helping-to-resolve-comp.html
2
https://www.sdg16hub.org/

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 Implementing Peace Accords — Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons from Colombia (11
October 2018), https://www.prio.org/Events/Event/?x=8667
 “No Hunger Conference 2018” How to eradicate hunger before 2030? Hosted by Caritas and
NHO (15 October 2018), https://www.facebook.com/events/245215432851659/
 SDGs: Ruling by Numbers. What happens to the SDG agenda when it is translated into targets
and indicators? (29 October 2018), https://www.sum.uio.no/english/sdg/news-and-
events/events/2018/sustainable-development-goals-ruling-by-numbers.html
 Human Rights Anniversary Conference (1988-2018). Support to human rights defenders in
changing and challenging times. Hosted by Norwegian Human Rights Fund. (13 November
2018), https://www.eventbrite.com/e/support-to-human-rights-defenders-in-changing-and-
challenging-times-tickets-50907181751?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
 Inclusive Peace Agreement Implementation Project: Expert Workshop on Inclusive Peace
Agreement Implementation (13 – 14 November 2018) Hosted by UNDP OGC and Inclusive
Peace & Transition Initiative.
 Leader Agenda - Top 10 Geopolitical Risks in 2019. Hosted by KPMG. (4 April 2019),
https://home.kpmg/no/nb/home/arrangement/2019/04/lederagenda-top-10-geopolitical-
risks-2019-taking-stock.html
 Strategic ignorance and philanthrocapitalism. Hosted by the University of Oslo. (24 April 2019),
https://www.facebook.com/events/431370924278000/
 Cyber threats and what to do about them? Discussion with Michael Sulmeyer, Director for
Belfer Center's Cyber Project, on cyber security and international politics. Hosted by NUPI. 9am-
10am. (3 Ma 2019), https://www.nupi.no/en/Events/2019/Breakfast-seminar-Cyber-threats-
and-what-to-do-about-them
 2019 Business for Peace Summit – Navigating the World of Imbalance. Hosted by Business for
Peace. (15 May 2019), https://www.businessforpeacesummit.com/summit-programme

4. 4
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.

5. 5
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.

6. 6
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 5.4million3&4. It is
ranked the 1st in the 2019 World Press Freedom Index for the third year running5&6, and the 3rd in
the 2019 World Happiness Report7&8. 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.
3
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.
4
7.4million in Hong Kong (https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/so150.jsp)
5
https://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/norway-tops-the-2019-world-press-freedom-index
6
Hong Kong is 73th
7
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.
8
HK is in 76th

7. 7
CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Living in a shared flat with three Scandinavian girls9, I was able to better understand the culture like
living and food. Norway takes good care of the environment. Recycling is a part of daily life. Up to
97% of plastic bottles are recycled.10 Norwegians have high quality of life. There are lots of gorgeous
interior designs no matter in cafes, restaurants and even at home. Due to the fact that eating out is
very expensive, people like inviting friends to their home to chill and have dinner. Thus, they like
decorating their home well. At the meanwhile, they concern in the family time. Shops are normally
closed around 6pm-7pm in weekdays; they are not opened on Sundays and public holidays; and the
lunch time is usually half hour.
9
They are from Norway, Sweden and Demark.
10
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/239489/20190312/up-to-97-percent-of-norways-plastic-bottles-are-now-
recycled.htm

8. 8
Catherine is a Norwegian, my landlord as well as flatmate. Lisa is a Swedish, my flatmate.
For the food culture, Norwegians consume large amounts of tacos and pizza. According to the
studies conducted by food association, Norway consumes the most pizza in the world per person.11
Besides, according to a study in 2012, tacos are by far the most popular dinner on Friday in Norway.
This study determined that 400,000 Norwegians—or 8.2% of the population—eat tacos every single
Friday.12 Moreover, it has a culture of ‘matpakke’, which is much more than just an open sandwich
for lunch nowadays. I appreciate this traditional food as they are effortless to prepare, easy to make
and full of nutrition. Also, it helped me to avoid decision fatigue.
Every nation has a national day but probably very few of them are so enthusiastically and uniquely
celebrated like May 17th. The unique tradition of the celebration of the 17th of May brings some
complexities. The champagne breakfast kicks off the day. The local children carry flags and march
together with bands. Ice cream, hot dogs and other goods to eat are abundant. The buildings are
decorated with Norwegian flags and women and men of all ages dress in their Bunad, or national
costume. You can see the most people in the street in this day!
11
https://www.slideshare.net/Pizzaiololtd/10-countries-that-consume-the-most-pizza
12
https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-09-23/be-norway-do-taco-friday

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LEISURE TIME
I love drawing and painting. I have learnt landscape water color painting in Hong Kong for a few years.
Due to my hobby and never having tried portrait drawing and oil painting before, it was a great
chance for me to explore in Norwegian art world. My artwork is as follows.

10. 10
Besides, I did community services to contribute to the society, for example, cleaning and decorating
the gallery. Moreover, I am a dog lover and have a 7-year-old corgi in Hong Kong. During the free
time, I was a pet sitter to play and take care of the cats and dogs. From painting to being a pet sitter,
it helped me to meet lots of new friends13.
Marte (one of the pet owners) & I went hiking. We had drawing classes together in Blank Space.
13
Not only human, the pet also.

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PART C: REFLECTION & SUMMARY
“A hard beginning makes a good ending” is the conclusion of my journey. Although there were
difficulties in getting the permit and finding a flat, my internship life was very successful. I obtained
not only skills and working experience in UN agency, but also friendship and valuable experiences of
working together and cooperating. I became wiser, stronger and better. In my future career, I would
like to work in a United Nation / non-profit’s field, which focuses on the management and research
base to investigate and provide feasible solutions to tackle social problems with a view to helping
more people in need and making the society and the world better.
THANK YOU
Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to the Peace and Development Foundation
particularly for the generous financial support and liaison with UNDP OGC providing the internship
opportunity to let me explore the world, broaden my horizon and have oversea working exposure;
Dr Josie Zhou, Ms Mabel Fok, Ms Megan Lee, Ms Carmen Yau, Ms Elmo Lai, Ms Jamie Chim for the
follow-up and assisting work.
Sincere thanks to my supervisor, Renata Lok-Dessallien for her unlimited guiding, teaching,
supporting and inspiring me; colleagues at the UNDP Oslo Governance Centre for taking care of me
and provide many chances for me to learn and express my opinions; and also my family for taking
good care of my dog.
Thank you very much to all the people appearing during my internship who have helped me and
treated me well. You made my journey and life more colourful! THANK YOU!