Lehigh University graduate student Santiago Rodriguez divides his days between graduate studies at Lehigh and his internship at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Special Initiatives Office in New York City. As an intern with the Equator Initiative, he works on projects that promote sustainable development and empower local communities around the world. Through his work, Rodriguez is connecting remote communities with global platforms and bringing their stories to the forefront.

Rodriguez’s role involves a variety of responsibilities, one of which is collaborating with Equator Prize winners, a prestigious award recognizing efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. He also works on the Nature for Life Hub, a multi-day event that streams discussions and workshops focused on nature-based solutions and biodiversity. The sessions feature a diverse range of speakers, with each module addressing sustainability challenges and offering practical solutions. Reflecting on his internship, Rodriguez notes that his tasks can range from coordinating workshops to developing capacity-building programs that showcase the efforts of local communities. "It’s rewarding to see these communities at the forefront of high-level discussions," he adds.

Despite the awards, Rodriguez acknowledges the challenges of working with remote communities, especially those in different time zones and with limited internet access. “It can be difficult to coordinate and communicate across these barriers, but we find ways to make it work because it’s important to showcase their stories and contributions,” he says.

Rodriguez’s internship also has a direct impact on his home country of Colombia. He highlights the importance of equipping local leaders with the resources they need to share their stories and connect with key stakeholders, from grassroots workers to high-level officials. “It’s not just about financial support—we provide communities with the spotlight and the tools to tell their stories and advocate for themselves,” he explains.

One of Rodriguez’s major projects is preparing for the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), which happens to be in Colombia. As part of this effort, he is helping to develop the Nature for Life Hub, which streams this fall. "The last day of the Hub will feature the Equator Prize winners, and we’re working on a community statement that highlights their stories and achievements," he explains.

He adds that one of his favorite parts of the experience is going into the UN office, where he gets to meet and collaborate with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Beyond his internship, Rodriguez is already planning for the future. “In my final year at Lehigh, I plan to focus on developing expertise in a specific area of nature, while continuing my work on the ground level,” he says. Rodriguez also serves as the interim Head Coach of the Lehigh women’s tennis varsity team, a position he took on after previously working as a graduate assistant. He emphasizes how this role has sharpened his time management and planning skills, as he balances mornings in UN meetings, afternoons dedicated to his studies, and late evenings coaching. “I love building relationships with the players and watching their growth, he adds.”

For students and young professionals interested in international development, Rodriguez offers simple yet impactful advice: "Dream big, but always remember the responsibility that comes with your work. What you do doesn’t just affect you—it affects the future." He believes the key to making a difference lies in embracing the learning process. "Enjoy the journey."

Rodriguez hopes his work with the Equator Initiative will inspire others to pursue careers in sustainability and international relations. “Sustainability encompasses so many fields, from nature conservation to biodiversity, and through the Equator Project, we’re demonstrating that nature itself can be a solution to the polycrisis the world is currently facing,” he explains.

Rodriguez chose Lehigh University largely because of its partnership with the UN, which has provided him with opportunities to engage in international development. He also appreciated the university's focus on character development through workshops and events. "Lehigh has given me both the academic and personal foundation to tackle the challenges of working in global ventures," he says.

As Rodriguez progresses in his internship, his dedication to sustainable development is evident and will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors. Whether working directly with local communities or contributing to global initiatives, he remains focused on driving meaningful, long-term change.