Page 55 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

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Seongeun Lee

FROM SURVEYS TO STORIES THAT MATTER

Growing up in the Republic of Korea, it was Seongeun's dream to work at
FAO. In 2024, that dream became a reality when she joined the FAO team
in Nigeria as a UN Volunteer. “I wanted to contribute to the fight against
hunger,” she said. “While living a sustainable life may seem like a given for
some, for many people around the world, it remains an urgent and unmet
need.”

As a Food Security Analysis Officer, Seongeun helps monitor food and
nutrition in Nigeria. She works closely with government partners to assess
where support is most needed. “It’s about using both numbers and people’s 51
stories to shape meaningful action,” she explains.

One particular moment stayed with her. While reviewing surveys from
displaced families, she came across a line that read: “We have no plans or
dreams for the future”. That sentence struck her. “It reminded me that our
reports aren’t just data, they carry the voices and realities of vulnerable
communities. It’s my responsibility to make sure our analyses reflect their
needs.”

“Institutions often lean toward stability,” says Seongeun. “But UN Volunteers
bring fresh ideas, bold energy, and new perspectives. That spark is what
leads to innovation and change.”
Seongeun Lee, UN Volunteer Food Security Analysis Officer with FAO in
Nigeria, helps monitor food and nutrition in the country. [FAO, 2024]