SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Raised by Japanese parents in a foreign land, my upbringing instilled in me a deep curiosity for diverse cultures and a desire to work for the United Nations. During my gap year, I took the opportunity to serve as a UN Volunteer with IOM in Madagascar.
21 June 2023
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
I began my UN Volunteer assignment in December 2020, when we were facing the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic in numerous ways. Many were experiencing physical and mental challenges, yet there was not much space to discuss these.
10 October 2021
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Tell us about the nature of your posting
I am a UN Volunteer with UNSOS based in Mogadishu, Somalia. The core mission of UNSOS is to provide critical support needed by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and Somali Security Forces for effective peacebuilding efforts in Somalia.
09 October 2021
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
In November 2016, I started my assignment with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as a medical doctor and was directly assigned to Bentiu in Unity State. After three years there, I was re-assigned to the capital, Juba and have been working here since then.
I am currently on my third UN Volunteer assignment. My first mission was in Timor-Leste from 2008-2012 and my second was with the UN Mission in Liberia, where I was assigned in Monrovia from 2014-2015.
Keeping mental health in check
08 October 2021
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Virginia Pérez, Chief of the Child Protection Programme with UNICEF in Bolivia, drew on her past experience as a volunteer with a free phone helpline in Spain that assisted children, recalling the impact it had and how they were able to enter the heart of a family through the phone.
14 October 2020
Latin America and the Caribbean
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
There is no doubt that 2020 has been challenging. Difficult work situations, changing contexts, working from home and in many instances, disconnection from friends and family. It has forced us to confront our personal and professional realities in new ways. In my personal situation, I am a single mother and COVID-19 has taught me I wear many hats – I am a mother, father, student, team leader, subordinate. Of course, this has been hard on my mental health and wellbeing.
09 October 2020
Global
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
Mental health is more than the presence or absence of a mental illness. It is a crossroad between emotional, psychological and physical well-being.
UN Staff Members and UN Volunteers are not immune and may even be more susceptible to mental health issues, due to the nature of their jobs and tireless service on behalf of universal peace and sustainable development.
09 October 2020
Global
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
As a result of COVID-19, many people have experienced changes in their mental and physical wellbeing, due to isolation, restrictions and unexpected situations resulting from this unpreceded crisis. I have seen this happening in the Asia-Pacific region among UN Volunteers, colleagues and peers, especially those living away from their families and loved ones, who may have been more affected by this situation than others.
09 October 2020
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories