What brings me to work every day and what keeps me here as I complete my 6,000 days in office. That's what I want to share with you—a journey that continues to inspire me. It started 16 years ago and counting...
As I complete my 6,000 days with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has been filled with people, purpose and the countless moments that have shaped who I am today—professionally and personally.
These 6,000 days also mirror UN Volunteers’ evolving role in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals, from promoting inclusive governance to advancing climate resilience and youth empowerment through volunteer action.
Serving selfless volunteers has been more than just a daily job; it has been my philosophy. Every day during these 16-plus years has reaffirmed my belief that when people come together with purpose and empathy, transformation follows, quietly, powerfully—often beyond what we can imagine.
The true heroes of my story are the UN Volunteers. Their passion, energy and resilience continue to inspire me every single day. Whether in the remotest corners of Balochistan or in the heart of the capital city, Islamabad, their spirit lights up every space they enter.
I have seen volunteers walk through disaster-hit areas as first responders, spreading education about why voting is so important, ensuring people are aware of their rights in underserved communities, working on preventing violent extremism, and serving with dignity and compassion in places where hope seemed dim. Their drive to make a difference keeps me grounded and reminds me why I chose this path.
From Bonn to Bangkok, Istanbul to Islamabad, Nairobi to New Delhi, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated professionals across the UNV family. Together we have shared long days, laughter, challenges, a difference of opinion and breakthroughs; alas, we are all bound by a shared commitment to service.
Over the years, the group of people I’ve worked with has come to hold a special place in my heart. Our connection goes beyond a mere professional relationship: it has grown into a circle of friendship, encouragement and shared values that transcend borders and time zones.
I have been fortunate to work under supervisors and managers who believed in me, who gave me space to learn, room to improvise and the encouragement to rise stronger. Their support, patience and mentorship shaped not only my professional path but also the kind of leader I try to be for others. They taught me that leadership is not about giving direction; it’s about enabling people to find their own.
One of the most beautiful gifts of working with UNV is the global community that grows with you. Thanks to our UNV alumni, I feel at home in almost every city in Pakistan and in many corners of the world.
These bonds go far beyond the workplace and have developed into personal friendships. “Once a UNV, always a UNV” is not merely a statement but a true commitment that UNV alumni have shown for the last many years, and they remain available whenever I need their support.
And about the unsung heroes whom I have worked with: the supervisors of our UN Volunteers. Behind every impactful volunteer is a supervisor who cared, guided and believed in their potential.
I have met supervisors who take time to mentor volunteers, provide opportunities for growth and celebrate volunteers’ successes as their own. They are the quiet enablers of transformation, the kind of people who make volunteerism sustainable by nurturing others to lead. Their appreciation and encouragement have often been the spark that keeps UN Volunteers and people like me motivated through the toughest of days.
And finally, about my source of power. After work, I return home to the people who keep me grounded. My family is my anchor, the place where I reset, reflect and refuel. Their patience and love have carried me through deployments, stressful times and moments of uncertainty. It is their support that allows me to show up every day with purpose and joy. Every milestone I have achieved at UNV carries a piece of their quiet strength.
For me personally, these 6,000 days are more than a milestone; they are a collection of faces, places and moments that define the essence of volunteerism.
As I look ahead, my belief in the power and impact of volunteerism remains stronger than ever. It is not merely a development tool; it is humanity’s most powerful expression of empathy, solidarity and hope.
Here’s to the next chapter of this journey, with gratitude for every UN Volunteer, every colleague and every moment that made these 6,000 days extraordinary.
Volunteerism Zindabad! (Long live volunteerism)