The young matter

"Ecuador está marcado por una larga historia de exclusión de los pueblos indígenas y un diálogo intercultural frágil, lo que continúa generando tensiones", explica Noémie. "A pesar de que la Constitución reconoce al país como intercultural y plurinacional, aún existe una comprensión limitada de lo que estos conceptos significan realmente, tanto en principio como en la práctica." 

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.

Reading political tensions before they escalateNeema Atosha grew up in South Kivu, eastern DRC, a region marked by armed conflict and displacement. She says what she saw early on shaped her journey ahead. In 2022, she joined MONUSCO’s Political Affairs Division, where she is a Political Affairs Assistant. At first, she was based in Bukavu during the lead-up to the 2023 general elections.

Years later, she did something few people do. She returned—not to her own safety, but to instability. This time, not as someone needing help, but as someone ready to carry weight.

“Ecuador is marked by a long history of exclusion of Indigenous peoples and fragile intercultural dialogue, which continues to generate tensions,” Noémie explains. “Despite the Constitution recognizing the country as intercultural and plurinational, there is still a limited understanding of what these concepts truly mean, both in principle and in practice”. 

“Life took an unexpected turn during my master’s studies. Just when everything seemed to be falling into place, I began feeling unwell. Doctors confirmed a neurological diagnosis, and my world shifted. I faced both physical and mental barriers, compounded by social stigma. I found myself asking, “Why me?” I never wanted to be defined by pity or by my condition. What I knew, even in that uncertainty, was that I wanted to be recognized for my intellect and contribution, not for my health challenges. 

"My day usually begins around 7:20 in the morning. I arrive at the office, review my task list, and adjust priorities before meetings begin. A cup of black coffee helps me focus. Early childhood development work moves quickly because it connects many sectors at once. No single programme can support a young child alone. Nutrition affects brain growth. Health services prevent lifelong complications. Safe water reduces disease. Early learning shapes cognitive and social skills. Protection ensures safety and dignity. My work brings these pieces together.

"As a UN Volunteer Specialist in Law, Gender, and Communication with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Madagascar, I spend much of my time creating spaces where these conversations can happen. My role sits at the intersection of law, community dialogue, and communication. It requires listening as much as teaching.

South Sudan is still learning how to live after years of conflict. UNMISS supports that fragile process—protecting civilians, enabling humanitarian access, advancing human rights, supporting political dialogue, and helping prepare the ground for elections. My work lives inside that reality, not outside it.