"We are not evaluating for the sake of accountability alone," Liza explains. "Evaluation is also a tool for learning and adaptation."This year alone, Liza has helped support OHCHR's 2026 Evaluation Plan, which includes 47 evaluations covering different regions and themes. Her role ranges from developing terms of reference and selecting consultants to analyzing data, producing knowledge products, and transforming complex findings into insights that decision-makers can use.

“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. 

“The first of January 1983 is the internet’s birthday. At that time, Antigua and Barbuda, where I call home, had only been independent for a little over a year. Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), due to our small country size, population, and our separation by water, struggled to develop economically and therefore transform digitally. On the other hand, countries with economies of scale, developed infrastructure and high capital were able to transform at a rapid pace and at a lower cost.

This initiative wasn’t just about rolling out a system—it showed what’s possible when drawing on local expertise.

For Africa, these shifts are not only challenges. They are also opportunities to reposition, to leapfrog, and to show that resilience can be paired with innovation. Across the region, governments, regional institutions, and the African Union are driving initiatives that seek to unify the continent, from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to cross-border climate adaptation projects. 

The Youth Advocates programme aims to give young people, including those with disabilities, a one-year professional experience through a UN Volunteer assignment with UNICEF to protect children’s rights. 

Nadina has two degrees in social work from the University of Sarajevo. Through student exchanges, she connected with people from all walks of life, especially persons with disabilities—learning firsthand about their needs and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Those friendships still support her today. 

Meet Judith from Nigeria

Meet Rafiatu Umarayi Alhassan and Samuel Peprah Bekoe. Both are UN Volunteer Field Coordinators and part of Young Africa Innovates (YAI) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, a bold initiative helping young people across all 16 regions of the country turn their ideas into solutions.