Sipiwe Zulu (Zambia – GLODEP Cohort 2020–2022)
I currently serve in a dual role at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Zambia Country Office as a MineTech Hub Community and Ecosystem Engagement Officer and an Innovation Assistant under the University Innovation Pod (UniPod). My work focuses on supporting the growth and establishment of Zambia’s innovation ecosystem through program design, stakeholder engagement, implementation, and evaluation.
A key part of my journey has been contributing to the setup of the first-ever UniPod in Zambia, as well as supporting the establishment of the MineTech Hub. Through this work, I have been involved in program design and rollout, stakeholder coordination, and reporting. I strongly believe that GLODEP played a key role in preparing me for this position. The program equipped me with a global perspective and the ability to navigate complex development challenges – qualities that are essential in my current role.
I chose GLODEP because it built naturally on my undergraduate studies in Environmental Studies. While I had a strong foundation in environmental issues, I wanted to understand sustainable development more holistically – beyond the environment and within the broader context of development policy and international cooperation.The joint degree structure was particularly appealing because of its emphasis on mobility and global exposure. I was drawn to the opportunity to study in multiple countries and engage with diverse perspectives, as I have always envisioned pursuing an international career.
One of my key learnings was in policy analysis and understanding how development is shaped by both global and local dynamics. The program deepened my awareness of the role of geopolitics in shaping relationships between the Global North and South, and how these dynamics influence development outcomes. Beyond academics, one of the most important lessons was adaptability. Studying in multiple countries required constant adjustment to new environments, systems, and cultures. This experience strengthened my ability to adapt quickly and remain effective in unfamiliar contexts. In my current role, I draw heavily on skills such as program design, stakeholder engagement, research, and report writing, all of which were strengthened during my time in GLODEP. Equally important are the soft skills I developed, including adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independence. These have been essential in navigating a dynamic work environment and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
GLODEP is an intense program that requires focus and discipline. While the experience of studying in multiple countries can seem exciting, it is important to remain grounded academically, especially as each institution comes with different expectations and levels of intensity. I began the program during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time filled with uncertainty. I often wondered whether we would ever fully experience the program in person. However, the faculty were incredibly reassuring and supportive throughout this period, which gave me an early sense that I had made the right decision. Looking back, I would choose GLODEP again without hesitation. It is a demanding experience, but one that shapes you in ways that only become fully clear over time. Interestingly, this realization did not come during the program itself, but afterwards. After graduating in 2022, I went through a period of unemployment that made me question whether I had made the right decision. However, when I eventually secured my role at UNDP, it became clear that the experience had been worth it. The adaptability, global perspective, and skills I developed through GLODEP were exactly what the role required.
Beyond the professional impact, it is the relationships I built that have truly stayed with me. Being part of a cohort of over 15 nationalities felt like the world had come to me. The friendships we formed have endured beyond the program – we still have an annual call to reconnect and reflect on our journeys. In the summer of 2025, I returned to France and reconnected with one of my classmates, who has since become a close and dear friend. Moments like these remind me that GLODEP was not only an academic experience, but also a deeply personal one. Looking back now, I realize that the value of those two years extends far beyond the classroom. It lives on in the work I do, the perspective I carry, and the global community I remain a part of – one that continues to shape who I am becoming.