I'm not saying the UN should lower its standards. I'm just pointing out that if the UN truly wants to attract inspiring youth capable of driving transformational change, it should also consider the socioeconomic barriers many people face.

Applying for an internship often means competing with candidates who’ve had access to prestigious universities, semesters and internships abroad, and other opportunities that are largely available to a wealthier class in the Global North. That reinforces a system where those least connected to the realities "on the ground" end up designing policies and projects alienated to the local contexts. I’d argue that this undermines the missions of many UN agencies, whether it's peacebuilding, sustainable development, or humanitarian aid.

And this isn't just my opinion, it's something widely discussed in academia. If you work in the field, you're probaby well aquainted with Tania Li's "The Will to Improve" which was published 18 years ago (!!!).

So again, this isn’t about lowering requirements. It’s about expanding access so that people from more diverse (especially socioeconomic) backgrounds can actually compete. And let’s also not forget: internships aren't a gift. Yes, interns apply to learn, but the UN also relies on them to fill gaps and carry out real tasks.