Shared Lives, Shared Future

Teboa^*
Child
Kiribati

"In the Pacific, we young people need resilience. With UN support, access to education and health empowers us to lead and shape sustainable futures."

Pacific youth are strong and resilient, but their islands are threatened by human-made climate change. With UN support, youth are accessing education, cultivating self-determination, taking ownership of change, and shaping the future of their communities. Photo: Pedram Piniya

^*Real name withheld

Yerlan
Policeman
Kazakhstan

"Every successful detection means fewer drugs reaching our streets and youth. Thanks to UN support, we are building a safer future."

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime supports Kazakhstan's police forces and their dogs to detect synthetic drugs. Photo: UNODC/Karlygash Zholdakayeva

Agate
Student
Latvia

"In 2021, Latvia banned most single-use plastics, replacing them with greener alternatives – a real step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for all of us."

The United Nations advocates globally against single-use plastics, working with governments, businesses and communities to reduce plastic pollution. In Europe, its campaigns and policy guidance have promoted regulations like plastic bag bans, driving collective action to protect ecosystems, promoting sustainability and a circular economy. Photo: Madara Misule

Ruslan
Student Fighting Cancer
Russian Federation

"Thanks to the UN, I learned about the outstanding human rights activist Nelson Mandela. His life path inspires me and gives me strength to fight against cancer."

 ‘UchimZnaem’ (‘We Teach We Know’) is a joint project of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Russia and hospital-schools across the country to raise awareness of the legacy of Nelson Mandela and help children continue to access quality and affordable education during long term stays in hospital.  Photo: Rinat Shajdullin

Verenica
Solar Electrician
South Africa

"Thanks to this training, I can now lead on the transition to clean energy while developing my skills."

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is equipping women in South Africa with vital skills in solar technology. Implemented with partners, the project enables women like Verenica to lead South Africa’s just energy transition while promoting gender equality and entrepreneurship. Photo: UNDP South Africa

Di
Conservation Worker
Palau

"Our communities are finding ways to be resilient in the face of climate change, thanks to UN-supported projects. I hope my children will be able to enjoy the best of Palau as I did."

The United Nations is supporting communities in Palau in tackling climate change. From protecting coastal villages against rising seas to improving access to clean energy and climate-resilient farming, the UN helps local people prepare for and respond to environmental challenges. Photo: Carlota Nunez

Leboleli
Student
Lesotho

“I am very happy that I am vaccinated. I look forward to a cervical-cancer-free future.”

Yasmin
Climate Justice Advocate
Netherlands

"The ICJ turned law into a force for climate justice. We can now hold governments accountable to protect the rights of future generations and frontline communities.”

In its Advisory Opinion delivered in July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) noted that “[t]he duty to prevent significant harm to the environment also applies to the climate system, which is an integral and vitally important part of the environment, and which must be protected for present and future generations”. Photo: Personal archive

Stefanie
Local Resident
Liechtenstein

“I cross the border almost every day. The fact that the UN standardizes road traffic rules and road signs makes it easier and safer to travel by car nearby and globally.”

Through two conventions developed at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), countries agree on shared road traffic rules and road signs. These conventions, used far beyond Europe, make driving safer and more predictable — helping travellers, commuters, and cross-border communities move with confidence every day. Photo: Personal archive

Ousseynou
Senior Civil Servant
Senegal

“With UN support, we are digitizing justice in Senegal so people can obtain essential documents from home.”

An e-justice pilot project in Dakar is enabling citizens to access justice online. The project, funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UNOPS and UN Women enables online requests and case tracking, easing queues and speeding processing, with expansion planned across Dakar and nationwide. Photo: UNIC Dakar

Noémie
Programme Officer
Luxembourg

"So glad I can connect with my family abroad thanks to mobile roaming. I had no clue the UN is behind this."

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) develops international technical standards and assigns codes for communications across borders and mobile roaming — allowing seamless phone calls across borders. Photo: Kevin Um Onanena

Yania
Student
Maldives

"There’s still time to save our planet. Through the UN, we can keep global warming below 1.5°C and safeguard the future of vulnerable countries like ours.”

At just two metres above sea level in its highest points, the Maldives is fighting for its survival as rising seas threaten the country’s existence. Annual UN-led meetings called Conference of Parties (COPs) bring countries together to tackle climate change. Photo: UNICEF Maldives/Yameen

Fatoumata^* and colleagues
Artisans
Mali

“Our mausoleums were destroyed. With tourism declining, we lost our income. Thanks to ICC reparations, we are resuming production of handicrafts.”

In a landmark case, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted perpetrators of war crimes destroying cultural heritage in Mali. Reparations were ordered to be paid, including support to rebuild sites and socio-economic aid to Tombouctou’s population. Fatoumata and her colleagues are members of the Alfayda association, one of 52 grassroots organizations benefitting from ICC reparations through the Trust Fund for Victims. Photo: TFV/Hameye Toure

^*Real name withheld

Asbjørn
Doctor and Cyclist
Norway

"I try to stay healthy and bike as much as I can. I didn't know the UN sets global standards on food safety."

The United Nations, through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Codex Alimentarius mechanism, sets global food safety standards to ensure the food we eat is healthy, safe, and pesticide levels are properly regulated. Photo: Gunnar Garfors

Arlette
HIV Nurse
Mauritius

“After the training, I see behavioural insights are very relevant to my work, helping me understand people better.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) supported Mauritius in pioneering behavioural insights training to strengthen public health. By identifying barriers to care, such as stigma and misinformation, this approach empowers communities to adopt healthier behaviours and equips health workers to design culturally sensitive interventions for preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases nationwide.  Photo: UNFPA Mauritius & Seychelles

Naranbaatar
Herder
Mongolia

“I saved a dying calf by using a special nutrient-rich feed we prepare thanks to knowledge I gained from UNDP. It has transformed the quality of my livestock.”

A UN Development Programme (UNDP) project, funded by the multilateral fund Global Environment Facility and implemented with the Government, works to enhance ecosystem services in multiple landscapes of the Sayan and Khangai mountains and southern Gobi by reducing rangeland and forest degradation and conserving biodiversity through sustainable livelihoods. Photo: UNDP Mongolia

Agnes
Primary School Teacher
Solomon Islands

“Climate change education is crucial. With UN support, we are helping our students understand how it affects our movement and communities.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) works closely with teachers and students across the Solomon Islands to enhance awareness of climate change and human mobility, and to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in schools and communities. Photo: IOM Solomon Islands/Junior Patrick Makau

Shafique
Sanitation Worker
Pakistan

“I risk my life daily: toxic gases and blades in sewers make death a real risk. Yet, I can’t let my family go hungry. I only want safer working conditions and respect.”

In Pakistan, a project by the International Labour Organization (ILO) is training at-risk workers like Shafique on occupational safety and health for the first time. The project brings sewage workers and officials together, allowing open discussion about safety. Shafique has since been elected chairman of the sewer workers union. Photo: Abu Bakr

Deavina
Civil Servant
Micronesia (Federated States of)

"The partnership between the Federated States of Micronesia and the UN is more than diplomacy — it’s a shared belief in human potential. As youths, we are the bridge between tradition and transformation.”

Young civil servants like Deavina are helping shape a future in the Federated States of Micronesia that is defined by resilience, equity, and hope. The United Nations is supporting government, civil society and communities to advance sustainable development and build resilience to climate change, protect the environment and strengthen disaster preparedness.  Photo: Carlota Núñez

Tidiani
Senior Civil Servant
Monaco

"The UN ensures that Monaco’s concerns about the protection and sustainability of the ocean and seas are heard. This strengthens our community’s cohesion and encourages us to preserve what is most precious to us.”

Monaco works closely with the United Nations to advance ocean protection and sustainability. Through global UN initiatives and agreements, the Principality’s voice helps safeguard marine ecosystems, promote responsible stewardship of the seas, and inspire collective action to preserve our shared natural heritage. Photo: Government of Monaco

Enkhee
Teacher
Mongolia

"Through UNICEF’s Teacher with Tablet initiative, I visit young herder children in remote areas and teach them language, math, and other skills using audio and interactive lessons.”

UNICEF, the UN children’s fund, has reached more than 1,300 teachers across Mongolia with training and support to educate children in remote areas. For herder families, this early childhood education is providing a vital foundation for helping children succeed in the future. Photo: UNICEF Mongolia/Enkhbayar Khurelsukh

Hana
Student
Montenegro

“I like going to school, writing, colouring, and learning.”

UNICEF, the UN children’s fund, is working with Montenegro’s Bureau for Education Services to support more than 135 schools across the country – over half of all primary and secondary schools – in developing students’ socio-emotional skills. Through the implementation of the My Values and Virtues programme, schools are fostering empathy, tolerance and cooperation, and creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels accepted and valued. Photo: UNICEF Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

Bouchta
Master Craftsman
Morocco

“Today, when I pass on my skills to this generation, I feel great pride both for myself and for my country."

To preserve Morocco’s traditional instrument-making, especially the oud, the Ministry of Handicrafts and UNESCO launched the Treasures of Traditional Arts programme. Master craftsman Bouchta now trains young apprentices, safeguarding ancestral skills and passing on this rich cultural heritage to future generations. Photo: UNRCO Morocco/Hassan Chabba

Hkawn
IDP and Small Business Owner
Myanmar

“Thanks to the sewing training supported by UNHCR, I now earn a steady income and save money. I also teach other girls sewing, so they can earn for themselves.”

Since 2011, conflict in Myanmar’s Kachin State has displaced thousands, leaving families in prolonged uncertainty. Despite instability, many rebuild their lives through return, local integration, or resettlement. Their pursuit of transitional solutions reflects resilience and hope, restoring dignity and laying the groundwork for stronger, inclusive communities and a more stable future. Photo: UNHCR/ Salai Hsan Myat Htoo

Malak
Local Resident
Libya

“I didn’t know many of the road and traffic safety rules that protect us, such as wearing a seatbelt, come from UN agreements.”

Technical specifications of safety-belt use and installation stem from a United Nations agreement adopted at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, in force since 1970.  The mandatory wearing of safety-belts in cars has saved millions of lives around the world in the past 50 years, but many more lives could be saved, especially in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safety-belt use by occupants of vehicles in front seats reduces the risk of fatal injuries by 45 - 50 % and the risk of death and serious injuries among rear seat occupants by 25 %. Photo: RCO Libya/Tarek Ghwela

Bernadette
Anti-FGM Board Chief
Kenya

"I believe that, with UN support, this is the generation that can end female genital mutilation."

The UN is working to end female genital mutilation (FGM) around the world. The programme, run by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, the United Nations children’s fund, is the world’s largest effort to do so, operating across 18 countries in close collaboration with governments, national and community leaders. Photo: UNFPA/Christina Nnwabugo

Ana Sofía
Domestic Worker
Mexico

"Domestic work is too often dismissed as just helping. But we are workers, and must be recognized as subjects of rights. The UN champions our cause." 

Thanks to the Sustainable Development Goal fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Women supported Mexico’s government to focus on domestic worker rights and dignified employment, allowing over 65,000 domestic workers to access social security for the first time. This is paving the way for a National Care System Law transforming the lives of 46 million people by 2030.  Photo: UN Women Mexico

Fatima
Student
Nigeria

"Once I joined the UN’s #BeWildForNature initiative, I realized it’s not just about animals and forests: it’s about an ecosystem that impacts humanity."

In 2024, teenager Fatima joined the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s #BeWildForNature initiative, gaining training, mentorship, and resources. From newcomer to award-winning finalist, she soon led her own advocacy initiative. By mid-2025, she mobilized young volunteers and engaged more than 120 students on topics around endangered species and environmental protection. Photo: UNODC

Khadija
Businesswoman
Niger

“My life truly changed thanks to UN support. Our non-timber forest product processing group increased its income 200-fold.”

Khadija received UN support through financial grants, equipment, and capacity-building under income-generating activities. This assistance, launched in 2020, proved crucial in empowering women in Niger, helping them strengthen livelihoods and boost opportunities for sustainable economic independence. Photo: FAO Niger

Vidyut
Young Entrepreneur
India

"The UN helped me develop and pilot a solution to fight air pollution caused by the open burning of crop and forest residues.”

Vidyut is the co-founder of a company that recycles agricultural waste into marketable carbon products, such as fertilizer blends and biofuels. Thanks to support from the UN Environment Programme, he scaled up his business, while connecting with other young innovators against climate change.  Photo: UNEP

Hamad
Youth Advocate
Oman

“Thanks to UN initiatives, I am empowered and help ensure that youth have a voice and equal opportunity to keep building resilience and equality in Oman.”

In Oman, the United Nations supports the government in their efforts to promote resilience, and a more equal society where all citizens have their voice heard regardless of gender or age. Harmad has taken part in numerous UN programmes, and is an emerging voice among the country’s youth. Photo: UN

Chansamone
Social Security Manager
Lao People's Democratic Republic

“With UN support, our team is equipped with the knowledge, resources, and vehicles to effectively promote increased social protection coverage.”

Together with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Laotian authorities have launched a mobile service bringing social security registration directly to people's homes. This was achieved by providing training, equipment, and funding to provincial social security staff. Photo: ILO/Saiyadeth Sitthilath