On 8 April 2016, the China-EU School of Law (CESL) had invited Song Yunfu, former director of external affairs in the Ministry of Public Health and senior diplomat in the World Health Organization, to give a talk.The lecture, titled “Be an International Civil Servant”, has been part of the CESL International Legal Professional Lecture Series. Dr. Clemens Richter, the Executive European Co-Dean of CESL, hosted the lecture attended by more than eighty students.

Song Yunfu went to Marocco at the age of 18 and studied French. Today, he can look back on 40 years of experience in foreign affairs, of which he worked 26 years in China and 14 years abroad. “I was deeply moved by his spirit and very much inspired by his perseverance”, student Wang Hao said after the lecture.

Song Yunfu described how international civil servants have been faced with historic opportunities and policy changes. In his eyes, international civil servants are needed by the world. As they play an essential role in international relationships, global talents are much sought-for. Song Yunfu also stressed the importance of English language profiency and effective communication. Hence, he encouraged the students to further improve their English skills.He also strengthened the students’ intentions to find an international perspective on life and work.

Article by Wang Hao (CESL master student from 2015 intake)

Photo by Li Xinlong (CESL master student from 2015 intake)