I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Elizabeth Merifield Galindo for making this internship experience possible through her generous support of the Dario and Elizabeth Merifield Galindo Internship Award. As a Political Science and Management student passionate about international cooperation and policy development, I was eager to gain practical experience in a global setting. This internship with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) allowed me to contribute to meaningful projects, improve my professional skills, and immerse myself in the work of a specialized United Nations agency.
My interest in ICAO began when I visited its headquarters in Montreal in 2024. I was struck by the scale of the organization, its rich history, and the crucial role it plays maintaining the safety, security, and sustainability of international air travel. I was fascinated by how the people at ICAO, from diplomats to technical experts, worked across vastly different backgrounds to shape decisions that affect air travel worldwide. Although my academic and professional interests are more focused on policymaking, governance, and multilateral cooperation rather than the aviation industry specifically, I saw ICAO as the perfect environment to explore how policy frameworks are developed and implemented at the international level. A year later, I applied for the internship position in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme to gain first-hand experience in an international organization and contribute to impactful projects.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1944, that works with 193 member states to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable international civil aviation. It develops global standards and regulations, fosters international cooperation, and supports capacity-building initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
I joined ICAO鈥檚 Field Personnel Section (FPS) within the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau, where I supported the planning, coordination, and promotion of the NGAP Global Summit 2025, themed 鈥淔light Plan for Future Aviation Talent: Innovate, Educate, Inspire 鈥� Building the Workforce for the Skies Ahead.鈥� It took place mid-August in Durban, South Africa, shortly after the end of my internship. Over the course of three months, my work involved liaising with stakeholders, monitoring timelines, tracking deliverables, sending invitations to high-level speakers, and helping to plan, name, and describe each session for the three-day event, ensuring a coherent and engaging flow. I also contributed to the #JoinAviation social media campaign and supported the creation of the NGAP Event App, which provided event participants with real-time updates and resources.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the social media campaign gain traction and the NGAP Event App come to life after weeks of planning. I truly valued working and speaking with people from very diverse backgrounds, and I found it inspiring that everyone on the team encouraged bold, fresh ideas to be brought to the table. Beyond office work, I appreciated the informal opportunities to connect with colleagues, including a summer barbecue on the fifth-floor terrace where I met ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, and the annual picnic at Angrignon Park, where I had the chance to meet people from other departments.
One challenge I faced was familiarizing myself with the technical vocabulary of aviation. Initially, the terminology felt overwhelming, but I overcame this by asking colleagues questions, researching ICAO鈥檚 documents, and participating actively in team discussions. Another challenge was the short timeline. Organizing such a large-scale event in only three months made me realize how much meticulous planning, coordination, and foresight go into something like this.
Overall, this internship strengthened my interest in the field of international policy and multilateral cooperation. It gave me valuable insight into how UN agencies operate, how global events are planned and executed, and how young people can be encouraged and supported to pursue careers in technical fields. It also unexpectedly sparked a genuine interest in the world of aviation and helped me understand the type of work environment in which I thrive and the impact I want to have in the future.
The Dario and Elizabeth Merifield Galindo Internship Award from Mrs. Elizabeth Merifield Galindo allowed me to fully dedicate myself to this internship without financial strain, covering living expenses during the summer and enabling me to work full-time at ICAO鈥檚 Montreal headquarters. Thank you for making this opportunity possible and for supporting my professional growth.
