Melissa Fleming, the United Nations under-secretary-general for global communications, encouraged Duke Kunshan University students to pursue “jobs with purpose” and master human-centered storytelling to counter misinformation.
In a virtual fireside chat with Executive Vice Chancellor John Quelch, Fleming said the UN’s work—peace and security, development, human rights, and climate action—“isn’t just policy; it’s people.”
She noted that big numbers can dull empathy and called for stories that show individual impact.
“If you want people to listen, make it relatable,” she said.
Fleming also outlined practical entry routes for young professionals, including the member-state-funded Junior Professional Officer program, an annual competitive exam prioritizing underrepresented countries, and early experience in communications or policy roles. Most professional posts require at least three years’ experience, and many call for a master’s degree.
Asked how to communicate complex issues to general audiences, Fleming advised students to “zoom in, then zoom out”—start with an issue that resonates locally, then connect it to the UN’s wider mission.
Quelch introduced DKU’s global profile and invited student questions on careers, Sudan’s humanitarian crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals. Fleming said the SDGs remain a “yardstick” despite setbacks and emphasized resilience in a 24-hour media environment.
“You perform best when you’ve had your rest,” she said.
Appointed UN under-secretary-general for global communications in 2019, Fleming leads the UN Department of Global Communications, which informs global audiences about world affairs and builds support for the organization’s goals. She oversees the UN’s strategic and crisis communications, multilingual media operations, and global outreach campaigns, and recently led the development of the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity.
