Some of the most demanding parts of her role are not immediately visible. Translating technical investment programmes into clear, accessible language requires more than accuracy—it requires judgment.“It’s not always easy to break those down and explain them in a simple way,” Alissa explains.Staying closely connected to technical teams has become essential, allowing her to refine messages and avoid misinterpretation. It is a continuous process of alignment—one that ensures communication reflects reality without oversimplifying it.

The young matter

Daria still remembers the moment it all came together. “When I saw the UN Volunteer vacancy in 2022, it felt like everything aligned—the personal connection, the long‑held dream of working with the United Nations.” She applied, got the offer, said her goodbyes—and soon after, was on a flight to Minsk. Originally from the Russian Federation, Daria joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus as a UN Volunteer.