Peking University, March 16, 2023: Peking University (PKU) is proud to announce that its alumnus, Walker Darke, class of 2021, has been acknowledged in this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Social Impact category. Forbes 30 Under 30 is an annual list that recognizes remarkable individuals under the age of 30 for their exceptional accomplishments in business and society. Darke, who studied at PKU from 2019 to 2021, received his Master of Laws in International Relations degree. Currently, he serves as a consultant in Sustainable Energy and Carbon Neutrality policy at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

PKU Alumnus Walker Darke is part of the Forbes Under 30 Europe Class of 2023

The award highlighted Darke’s contribution as the lead author of The United Nations Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 for Europe, North America, and Central Asia. A joint effort between UNECE and international energy experts, analysts, and diplomats, the Roadmap includes technology briefs, as well as solutions for different regions to achieve carbon neutrality.

During an interview with PKU News, Darke emphasizes the significance of addressing environmental issues and combating climate change in the present day. He adds that China has been acknowledged as a reliable collaborator in UNECE's efforts concerning the UN Framework Classification for Resources, which aims to classify, manage, and report on resources such as energy, minerals, and raw materials on an international scale. He also highlights the importance of internal cooperation, inclusive dialogue, and sharing of best practices in achieving carbon neutrality.

Darke’s daily work consists of supporting the United Nations Development Goals to achieve sustainable energy for all, of which he credits his time at PKU that has exposed him to consensus building, expanded his world view, and helped him develop personal connections. Notably, the Beijing Forum (an annual event held by PKU) has helped him in his thesis on sustainable energy security in Central Asia, which explored the policies of China and the United Nations Economic Commissions. 
 

Walker Darke at the United Nations Climate Negotiations, Glasgow, United Kingdom

“Studying at Peking University was one of the best things I have ever done,” he candidly shares. Living in China allowed him to grow individually, as it challenged his preconceptions, tested his “amateur chopstick skills” and provided him the opportunity to make friends of different backgrounds, Darke explains. He fondly recalls socializing, drinking Nongfu spring water and going on school trips when living in PKU’s Zhongguanyuan Global Village.

Students from PKU’s School of International Studies posing for pictures during their trip to southwest China's Guizhou Province

Having made friends for life in China, a group of them reunited in Pakistan last December to celebrate one of their classmates’ wedding. They even sang the Chinese classic love song “The Moon Represents My Heart” (月亮代表我的心) as a special performance during the ceremony, Darke recalls.

Walker Darke(first from left) and his PKU friends at their classmate’s wedding

 

Walker Darke and his friends celebrating a birthday at Wudaokou in Beijing

Today, Darke continues to have a strong passion to integrate China in his life. He views PKU as a great starting point to pursue a career in international relations. In his advice to current PKUers, he shares that “international organizations are big and do so much great work; it’s hard to choose where to start.” To address that, Darke emphasizes the importance of finding one’s niche and building connections.

Special thanks to Walker Darke for this interview.

Written by: Lee Xin Ying Rachel
Edited by: Meng Bin
Photos: Courtesy of the interviewee