Hello, my name is Baljinnyam Ishgen, but everyonecalls me Bea. I am from Mongolia. Following my undergraduate study in LL.B ininternational law at the National University of Mongolia, I successfully gainedadmission to the LL.M in Law and Sustainable Development program at the University of Milan. This program was interdisciplinary with a focus on sustainable development and its various aspects. Throughout both my undergraduate and graduatestudies, I have been passionate about international and national legalframeworks concerning foreign investors. This led me to conduct my bachelorsand masters thesis on foreign investor responsibility. Building upon this, Iworked at law firms, governmental and non-government organizations where Ifurther developed my interest in international investment law and business andhuman rights. It was this passion that ultimately drove me to pursue a PhD,desiring to become an expert in the field. I chose the SDC for its multidisciplinary approach, providing a platform to engage with professionalsfrom different backgrounds. Since sustainable development is itself multidisciplinary,it was essential for me to learn how to understand the aspect from different angles.My host university is IUSS Pavia and I am under the supervision of ProfessorAlberto Monti. My research involves comparative study, examining how differentcountries' priorities regarding sustainable development goals and host statecapacities influence the regulation of foreign investor actions concerning human rights and the environment. This interdisciplinary research encompassesinternational investment law, business and human rights, internationalenvironmental law, and sustainable development studies. Reflecting on my firstyear in the PhD-SDC program, I must highlight the features of my first year.Firstly, I was delighted by the flexibility provided by my supervisor regardingtiming and workspace, along with the valuable support in advancing my researchquestions. Professor Alberto Monti's professionalism in managing PhD candidatesand his willingness to engage in detailed discussions about researchsignificantly contributed to my academic growth. Secondly, the administrativestaff of the PhD-SDC program played a crucial role in ensuring a smoothresearch abroad period. I was pleased with their responsiveness and flexibilityin addressing my questions and problems, whether via email or in-person.Lastly, I appreciate the flexibility of the courses offered by partneruniversities, which provide diverse learning opportunities aligned with myresearch interests.
My host institution is the Center forInternational Environmental Law (CIEL), which operates in both Washington D.C. and Geneva. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected as a trainee inthe International Trade and Investment Law program at the Geneva office, chosenfrom a pool of over 80 candidates worldwide. CIEL is a non-governmentalorganization comprised of environmental and legal experts dedicated toprotecting the environment, promoting human rights, and advocating for a justand sustainable society. Their core programs focus on environmental health, the fossil fuel economy, climate and energy, and the management of people, land, and resources. During my four months here, I'll be involved in a variety ofactivities related to international investment law. This includes conductingresearch on international investment treaties and their alignment with theParis Agreement, exploring legal mechanisms to safeguard the rights of hostcountries and ensure their obligations regarding human rights and the environment,and contributing to the organization of high-level conferences. Additionally,I'll have the opportunity to attend sessions of the Human Rights Council, WTO ,and OECD. I chose to work with CIEL because it provides a unique opportunity toengage with the practical aspects of my research. By conducting variousstudies, meeting with representatives from different states and internationalorganizations, and participating in high-level conferences, I'll gain valuableinsights into the current real life landscape surrounding my research topic.This hands-on experience will undoubtedly enrich my understanding andcontribute significantly to my research endeavors.
At CIEL, the team is made up of legal andenvironmental experts from various backgrounds, each specializing in their ownareas. My supervisor, for example, is an expert in international investment andtrade law, as well as plastic pollution and environmental health. The whole teamoperates professionally, with a clear focus on their projects and tasks. AtCIEL, trainees are fully integrated into the organization, with opportunitiesto engage in work relevant to their expertise and research interests. One thingI really appreciate about CIEL is how they embrace flexibility and manage teammembers across different time zones. We've got members from India, Colombia,and the US, and everyone has the freedom to work from home, a garden, or theoffice. Our working hours are between 7 am and 7 pm, and the management issuper understanding about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Oneimportant tip in doing research abroad is first and foremost to maintain open communicationwith your academic supervisor. They're the ones who mentor you and have valuableinsights into what can benefit your research and future career. I feel reallyfortunate to have Professor Alberto Monti as my supervisor and mentor. When Ishared with him my acceptance for the traineeship at CIEL, he providedunwavering support throughout the process, offering invaluable guidance on howto make the most of the traineeship for my research.
Another tip I have is to get a head start onevery procedure. The administrative process involves several steps, likegetting approval letters from your supervisor and the board, and finalizingcontracts between institutions. Plus, there's usually time needed to request a scholarshipincrease. And if you're a non-EU student like me, sorting out a work permit in Switzerlandcan take 1 to 3 months, so it's crucial to kick off early and have a solid planin place for everything. Fortunately, I didn't face any major hurdles with theadministrative side of things at PhD-SDC and CIEL because we started 6 monthsbefore departure. However, finding suitable and affordable accommodation, notjust in Geneva but across the entire EU, can be a bit of a problem.
I had the chance to attend the 55th session of the Human Rights Council and a side event on Investor-State Dispute Settlementand its impact on human rights and the environment, hosted by David Boyd,Special Rapporteur of the UN. It was eye-opening to hear various perspectivesfrom state representatives and non-governmental organizations. Given that my researchfocuses on different countries' priorities in achieving SDGs and their abilityto regulate foreign investor accountability, this experience provided me with adiverse insight into foreign investor accountability across countries. Itdefinitely added practical aspects to my research assumptions.
On a personal level, working as part of an international team and community has been incredibly rewarding. It has helped me to upgrade my soft skills in communication and networking. Moreover, it gaveme a glimpse into the diplomatic and political aspects of international treatynegotiations, which you can't fully grasp from books alone. Based on myexperience, Switzerland, particularly Geneva, is an incredibly diverse city whereit's easy to become part of the community compared to other places. I lovespending my free time surrounded by Switzerland's stunning nature, exploringnearby small towns.