Page 73 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

Agriculture Climate resilience Food security Forestry Emergency Education Animal farming and livestock

Axel Strömberg

FORESTS, FOOD AND PEACE

“Without food security, there can be no sustainable life,” says Axel
Strömberg, a UN Volunteer and Associate Forestry Officer based in
Yerevan, Armenia. “If we had more food security, we’d have fewer
conflicts and a more peaceful world.”

Originally from Sweden, Axel joined FAO after volunteering with NGOs
and completing his master’s thesis in Mozambique. “Those experiences
pushed me to explore the world and UNV was the perfect chance to do
good while discovering what a UN career might offer.” 69

At FAO, Axel’s work focuses on both forestry and climate action. What
he enjoys most is the balance between office work and time in the field.
“That’s why I studied forestry, to be out in the beautiful nature that
surrounds us, not only behind a desk.”

What’s stayed with him the most is the hospitality he’s received. “Even
when we don’t speak the same language, they always make sure I feel
welcome.”
Axel Strömberg, UN Volunteer and Associate Forestry Officer
in Yerevan, Armenia. [Axel Strömberg, 2025] For Axel, UN Volunteers bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the
UN system. “We come from different backgrounds, and we learn from
one another.” Now, becoming part of FAO’s 80-year story feels very
special to him: “It’s an organization I relied on throughout my studies,
and now I get to be part of it. I feel honoured.”