Jordan Menzel
United States

I have become increasingly interested in, and academically challenged by, the evolving fields of environmental policy, programming, and research. While studying International Development and Business Policy in the Master of Science in Foreign Service program at Georgetown University, the need for innovative and environmentally sustainable development strategies has become apparent. UNEP is both designing and coordinating policies and programs that redefine what it means to “develop” and be “developed” in the 21st Century. My strong belief that discussions on economic development can no longer be separated from such topics as forest degradation or natural disaster risk mitigation has led me to seek opportunities to learn from UNEP’s efforts in the global community.

I most recently worked researching extraction industry standards at United States Institute of Peace and previously spent time as the Legislative Assistant to Utah’s House Minority Leader where I dealt with a broad range of regional land and water rights issues. I have also spent several years in Bolivia working as a volunteer and researcher dealing with rural community development.

My current opportunity to support UNEP RONA’s Government Affairs work is an amazing chance to better understand the management of multi-stakeholder initiatives. I will be attending and reporting back on various congressional hearings, conducting policy and legal research and assisting program staff with current projects.