Page 104 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

Animal farming and livestock Managing the herd, protecting the earth

Songling Chen

SAFEGUARDING LIVELIHOODS

THROUGH ANIMAL HEALTH

My six-month UN Volunteer assignment at the Emergency Centre for
Transboundary Animal Diseases of FAO Regional Office for Asia and the
Pacific focused on supporting value chain analysis for animal disease
management. It was an eye-opening, enriching and challenging
100 experience—one that offered continuous learning and personal growth.

Over these months, I gained deeper insight into how the centre
contributes to disease control and public health across Asia-Pacific
countries. It also gave me a new lens through which I could view
international development. In this region, animals such as hogs and
poultry are vital sources of nutrition and raising them continues to
support many underprivileged families. Efforts to eliminate animal
diseases not only improve public and animal health but also help
protect farmers' livelihoods.

What I appreciated most about my assignment was the project’s multi-
disciplinary nature and the team's openness. I was trusted to take the
lead on tasks, including one of my major responsibilities: exploring how
to integrate gender into animal disease projects.
Songling Chen (middle), UN University Volunteer from Hong Kong
University, at FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific,
More importantly, I gained valuable experience working with experts in Bangkok, Thailand. [FAO, 2019]
and colleagues from different country teams. Their support, along with
my supervisor’s guidance, made all the difference. I feel incredibly lucky
and grateful to have been part of such a fun, energetic and supportive
team!