Humanitarian Affairs Asia - Watthana

Humanitarian Affairs Asia is an organisation which, through its history, has consistently aimed to gift young people from across the world with the skills, experiences and networks to aid the growth of future leaders, at local, national and international levels. Particularly, HAA's international events are a highly valuable experience for any young people seeking to catalyse their path towards a humanitarian career and develop their skills as leaders.

Being an intern in Humanitarian Affairs Asia is one of the journey that I'll never forget. I'm learning how to achieve my goals at work, how to love many cultures from other interns/colleague here. And the experience with USLS event also open my eyes that I need to step up my game to help other people. I learn how an idea, a dream that comes true can change people's live.

My experience with Humanitarian Affairs Asia was monumental. From the leadership training, to the global network, to making a difference in the local community, Humanitarian Affairs Asia has equipped me with the tools to be an emerging leader. I strongly encourage anyone interested in joining Humanitarian Affairs Asia's events or internship programs to do so. Don't wait... the future needs us!

I had an amazing experience interning for Humanitarian Affairs Asia in 2019. HAA strives to give their interns opportunities to grow and new challenges to take on, with one of the largest exposure in the sector. HAA commits to aspiring young people to become compassionate, innovative and value-adding leaders. An excellent organisation with great vision and goals!

My experience with HA started as a delegate at the 2nd Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The event was life-changing, equipped me with essential leadership skills and gave me a broader perspective which I will forever be grateful for. At the event I met like-minded individuals and since then have incorporated what I have learnt into creating projects to advocate for positive social change. HA has been very supportive and impactful throughout this journey.

I joined the HA family in 2016 as an intern. It was my first trip to Asia and also the first time working in an NGO, serving the world. This experience changed my whole life. I saw how small actions can change many lives, how each individual can contribute to world peace and equality regardless of their age or social background. I recommend this experience to young leaders who are passionate about making this world a better place. If your path every crosses with HA, take that step, do you very best, and open up a new world for yourself.

My months spent as an intern at Humanitarian Affairs Asia represented an unforgettable experience that significantly enriched me professionally and personally. Organising the 9th University Scholars Leadership Symposium together with other 7 brilliant and passionate young women formed me in many important ways. Led by Janice, an inspirational leader and a role model, we worked hard to make the 9th USLS happen, gathering more than 1.000 young, like-minded individuals from around the globe, all eager to make a change in this world and giving them the opportunity to create transnational and multidisciplinary networks. Throughout the months for the organisation of the conference, goals and deadlines had to be met and this made the job sometimes challenging, yet always very rewarding. I enthusiastically learned the power of working in a diverse team, all contributing to the common good bringing in our different cultures, skills and strengths. Kindness, determination and motivation characterised the work environment and we would daily work together in a climate of great support, both technical and moral, determined to do our best and help one another to overcome difficulties. HAA gave us great professional opportunities, such as meeting with representatives of UN agencies and UN stuff, as well as with the great inspirational personalities invited to speak at the USLS. Janice and Mr. Kim showed faith in our ability and gave us responsibilities that enhanced our self-confidence and leadership skills. Janice has been a great team leader, guiding and assisting us and listening to our opinions and suggestions. She truly showed care and love for her interns and her work and constant commitment to the cause of HAA. Despite my delayed arrival to HAA, due to a car accident that forced me to postpone the start of my internship, when I caught up with the team, two months later, everyone welcomed me with love and enthusiasm and made me feel part of a family from the moment I arrived. Although the stress was mounting up the more the week of the 9th USLS approached, the actual happening of the symposium greatly paid off the hard work. Surely the 7-day conference kept us even busier than before, but the reward of seeing it happen and knowing that we all made it possible was a priceless life experience. I saw a mutual commitment to building a better future, more inclusive and equal. A commitment to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals through a common effort and personal engagement. I highly recommend this internship to whomever feels the desire of being an active agent of change, to those who feel passionate about cultures, who want to have an enriching personal experience living abroad and a remarkable professional experience in the humanitarian field.

My experience with Humanitarian Affairs Asia started when I attended the 2nd Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders in 2020, and it still baffles me how this one experience has had such a momentous impact on my life. I left the summit as a different person than when I arrived; more aware, more passionate and more motivated than ever to try to create change betterment in our world. The structure of the summit and the surrounding communication with the HA-team and other delegates, inspired me to use my resources to create initiatives and advocate for peace and compassion in my local community when I returned home. I will be forever grateful for the insights it provided and the emotions the whole experience evoked in me, as well as the opportunities and doors it opened! I cannot recommend attending one of HA's events enough, and I look very much forward to continue to work with them as a part of their Interneship Programme.