Iris
Mayor
Costa Rica
“Thanks to the UN and its SDG Local Network, the small rural municipality that I lead is a better place with more opportunities for its 39,000 inhabitants.”
Iris’ municipality of Puriscal is just one of 53 in Costa Rica covered by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals local network, helping bring the benefits of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development into the lives of local residents. Photo: UN Costa Rica/Danilo Mora
Razieh
Sewist
Iran
“Thanks to digital hubs, local producers like me have benefited from digital capacity development training, building skills and confidence in the digital landscape."
Razieh’s story is part of the UN Development Programme Iran Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project, which restores wetlands through ecosystem-based management and community-led conservation. Its “Green & Digital” program trains local producers in digital skills, and with 11 hubs in the East and West Azerbaijan provinces of Iran, nearly half — 84% of which are women — now sell products online, advancing sustainability and livelihoods. Photo: UNDP/Kamyar Minoukadeh
Motdrik
Local Resident
Marshall Islands
"Our community always struggled when rain stopped. Life would become difficult. With the new rainwater harvesting system, we have drinking water even during dry periods.”
The Marshall Islands is transforming its water security as part of the 'Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector' project, installing modern rainwater harvesting systems and expanding safe water storage across atolls and islands. The project, implemented by the government’s Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is made possible with local funding, along with contributions from the Green Climate Fund, the European Union and Australia. Photo: UN Micronesia Marshall Islands Office
Mija
Hospitality Worker
Croatia
"I love our locally caught fish. I didn't know the UN works with countries to ensure marine products are sourced responsibly, protecting oceans and the people who depend on them."
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) helps countries manage fisheries sustainably. Promoting responsible sourcing, supporting coastal communities, and protecting marine biodiversity, it works with other UN agencies to safeguard oceans while ensuring fish remains a vital source of food and livelihoods. Photo: Jose Alfonso Cussianovich
Analía
Girl Affected by Hurricane Oscar
Cuba
“Everything is difficult when a hurricane hits, but the help and solidarity have propelled us as a family to move forward.”*
Disaster response is a key area of UN cooperation with Cuba. When two hurricanes and two earthquakes hit the country at the end of 2024, the UN and the government generated a new action plan, helping 900,000 people, including Analía and her family. Photo: RCO Cuba/Raul Garces
*Quote by father
Barbora
Human Rights Professional
Czechia
"Thanks to the UN I understand how essential leaving no one behind and working together is."
Barbora took part in a Model UN, an educational simulation of the United Nations organized by UN Information Centres (UNICs) around the world. Participating gave her a deeper understanding of how diplomacy and human rights change the lives of billions, empowering her in her work as a human rights professional. Photo: UN/Michal Broza
Asma
Coast Guard Diver
Djibouti
"With UN support, I am now leading one of the Coast Guard’s largest vessels, and train recruits in combating organized crime at sea. Working in a male-dominated field is an honor for me."
Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Asma rose to command the Coast Guard’s largest vessel, leading an all-male crew and instructing new recruits. Her journey embodies the 'Empowering Every Badge' initiative in Eastern Africa, whereby UNODC works to strengthen the role of women in law enforcement and advance gender equality. Photo: UNODC/Amaury Falt-Brown
Lana
Sustainable Entrepreneur
Dominica
“I’ve transitioned from a 26-year career in banking and finance, to creating products which are safe for people and safe for the planet.”
Lana switched from finance professional to eco-entrepreneur with support from UN Women and the Canada-funded #BuildBackEqual Project. International training, leadership development, and global networking opportunities helped her expand her business, gain clients, and represent Dominica on world stages, inspiring other women entrepreneurs across the Caribbean. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown
Radmila
War Orphan
Kosovo*
"Police found all their clothes and brought those to the police station in Mitrovica. It was all there. The bullets went through my father's cigarette box, it was all damaged. His clothes had bullet holes all over them. The jacket, the trousers, were all full of bullet holes."
There are still some 1600 people who remain missing during the Kosovo conflict. This has left open wounds for families from all of Kosovo's communities. UNMIK has worked consistently to support the process of finding and identifying remains since that time through a victim-centred approach. In 2017, UNMIK supported the opening of a multi-ethnic Missing Persons Resource Center to be the voice of victims' families from all communities. The centre has become an indispensable stakeholder in the process of clarifying the fate of missing persons, having steadfastly advocated for the families’ right to the truth and commensurate reparation. Photo: UNMIK/Amanda Fisher
*Reference to Kosovo is in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Raquel
Shuar Poet
Ecuador
“We realized the need of an investment fund for the community, and the UN is currently helping us with that.”
In Ecuador’s Amazon, the women-led Tsapau Agricultural Association combines ancestral Shuar farming techniques with biodiversity conservation and community funds. Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), they strengthened an investment fund empowering households, sustaining agro-biodiverse practices, and protecting ecosystems while affirming women’s leadership in community development. Photo: FAO Ecuador
Hassan
Retired Farmer
Egypt
“The UN works to ensure that older persons like me have access to social protection, healthcare, and the dignity they deserve.”
Like many older people, Hassan faces both limited income and limited access to healthcare. UN-supported social protection and health programmes are helping Egypt’s aging population access essential services and strengthen community inclusion, allowing them to live with dignity and security. Photo: UNIC Cairo/Mohamed Elkoossy
Manar
Leather Products Entrepreneur
Saudi Arabia
"The UN training gave me skills and confidence to launch my leather craft business — transforming non-utilized resources into quality products and income."
Saudi Arabia, with help from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is training farmers to become more efficient and sustainable, equipping participants with practical leathercraft and business skills, providing tools and learning materials, and supporting trainees in bringing their products to market. Photo: UN FAO Saudi Arabia/Zunita Zubir
Serafín
Palm Wine Seller
Equatorial Guinea
“As a child, I heard on the radio that our leader Bonifacio Ondó Edú went to the UN to push for decolonization. But I didn’t know that the UN played such a key role for our independence.”
In the 1960s, the General Assembly, along with the Special Committee on Decolonization, played a key role in Equatorial Guinea’s independence, urging Spain, the administering Power, to set a date for independence in accordance with the wishes of the people of Equatorial Guinea, and sending a UN mission to supervise the constitutional referendum and elections, which assisted Equatorial Guinea to gain independence on 12 October 1968. Photo: RCO/Virgilio Ela Motu Mangue
Vala
Mother and Anthropologist
Iceland
"I love travelling with my family, experiencing new cultures. Not everyone knows that passport standards, allowing us to travel seamlessly, are coordinated by the UN."
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global standards for passports, ensuring they are secure, machine-readable and internationally recognized. This coordination simplifies identity checks and strengthens border security, making travel faster and more reliable. Photo: UNA Iceland/Pétur Hjörvar Þorkelsson
Idris
Former Farmer
Sudan
"I pray for peace, and I want the world to know what is happening. I pray Sudan recovers, it has to."
After fleeing violence in North Kordofan, Idris – a father of 13 and former commercial farmer – sought safety with his family in White Nile State, where they now live in a UNHCR-supported displacement site. UNHCR and partners remain on the ground delivering life-saving assistance. Photo: UNHCR/Samuel Otieno
Ilaitia
Schoolboy
Fiji
"With connectivity I can now play games, learn new things and watch content on my tablet."
Globally, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) sets standards for telecommunications and promotes universal and meaningful connectivity, ensuring that technology works seamlessly across borders. In 2025, the Government of Fiji launched its National Digital Strategy, supported by ITU, with the objective of driving sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. Photo: RCO/Avneel Chand
Lida
Media Producer and Radio Host
Finland
"The UN helps tackle disinformation and hate speech, placing professional journalists in a solid position to promote accuracy and build public trust."
UNESCO leads global efforts to counter disinformation and hate speech by promoting media literacy, supporting independent journalism, and developing ethical standards for digital platforms — helping societies strengthen trust, safeguard freedom of expression, and ensure accurate, responsible information online and offline. Photo: Personal archive
Ghazal
Child
Lebanon
“This school makes me happy — I’ve made a lot of friends here, and my teachers are kind and encouraging.”
UNICEF, the UN children’s fund, is bringing thousands of out-of-school children back to learning through the 'Dirasa' programme, giving them a chance at education and a brighter future. Marginalized children, including Ghazal who has a disability, benefit from learning and social development — also helping parents and teachers drive community change. Photo: UNICEF/Fouad Choufany
Nicholas
Farmer
Saint Lucia
“Thanks to the UN, I can now reap the benefits of good agricultural practices.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is training extension officers and farmers in Saint Lucia to support communities in producing healthy crops and help local farmers reduce their reliance on pesticides. Photo: UN RCO/Lorraine Nicholas
Martial
Journalist
Gabon
"Professional training is an investment that always bears fruit. Thanks to UNOCA, I learned from fellow Central African journalists and strengthened the skills that shape my career."
Through workshops in the region, the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) trains journalists to promote responsible, quality information in service of peace. The sessions improve reporting skills, build regional networks, and empower participants to mentor younger colleagues — helping strengthen journalism and peacebuilding efforts across Central Africa. Photo: UNOCA/Samperode Mba
Fatou
Entrepreneur
Gambia
"This support enables us to produce at a larger scale – meeting our demand to supply locally and export more snacks to boost our income.”
Fatou won a grant through the EU-funded Jobs, Skills and Finance Project, jointly implemented by International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The grant included one delivery motorcycle, an inverter, and an industrial heat pump dryer. The project has an overarching focus on promoting a green economy through renewable energy, sustainable construction and ecotourism. Photo: ITC The Gambia/Bubacarr Trawally
Bernd
Architect
Germany
“Thanks to these UN symbols, I know to be cautious when using everyday cleaning products.”
In how many languages can you read the words "danger", "flammable" or "toxic"? Pictograms developed at the UN allow people to use daily cleaning or care products safely. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is implemented all around the world. Coordinated by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), GHS is a real success story of multilateralism that helps to keep us safe every day. Photo: UNRIC Brussels/Arne Molfenter
Grace*
Person Living with HIV and Business Owner
Ghana
“This project gave me motivation and confidence. I now understand that HIV is not the end of the world for me. I want to stay alive to motivate and educate others."
Grace, a business owner in Ghana, fears that the social stigma attached to HIV/AIDs could cause her to lose clients. The DAAKYE Project, a boot camp run together with UNAIDS and the Global Fund, helped her overcome internal stigma, rebuild confidence and embrace self-worth. It also encouraged patients to stick to their medication, access care, and empowered them to thrive as ambitious future leaders. Photo: Bold Lens Studios
*Real name withheld
Annie
Taxi Driver
Grenada
"I didn't know anything about UN Women and I was very happy to be a part of it. I met other team members who came to Grenada to help with the relief following Hurricane Beryl."
After Hurricane Beryl struck Grenada in 2024, UN Women supported recovery efforts. Engaging local entrepreneurs like Annie, a taxi driver, UN Women built partnerships that combined immediate relief with lasting empowerment, strengthening livelihoods and community resilience. Photo: UN Women/Ramona Grandison
Suedat
Brackish Water Shrimp Farmer
Guyana
“Land fertility dropped, yields dropped, production dropped, we had a shortfall of shrimp. We needed a change."
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is helping farmers of brackish water shrimp adopt good aquaculture practices to boost production. These include supplementary feed, a controlled system that pumps water from the ocean into the ponds and mangrove planting and restoration. Photo: FAO/Shara Seelall
Béla
Biologist
Hungary
“Over the past 30 years, I’ve seen how much cleaner, healthier, and safer the Danube River Basin has become thanks to UN support.”
Together with the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Danube Regional Project has reduced pollution, restored ecosystems, and harmonized water policies across 13 countries. The resulting International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River is a model of transborder cooperation and has made the water cleaner, healthier and safer. Photo: ICPDR/Momir Paunović
Mechelle
Sustainable Entrepreneur
Bahamas
“Thanks to UN Women, I can connect with global female entrepreneurs, allowing all of us to contribute to sustainability.”
Mechelle is one of many female entrepreneurs whom UN Women has supported through leadership, networking and business development opportunities. They helped her to incorporate Bahamian sea salt into her products, and to make them more sustainable. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown
Lebepa
Retiree
South Africa
“The United Nations helped push the world to act against apartheid, they spoke up for us, cut ties with the apartheid government, and kept the pressure on until we finally became free.”
The United Nations played a historic role in ending apartheid in South Africa. From early condemnations and economic sanctions to support for liberation movements, the UN mobilized global action, isolated the apartheid regime, and stood firmly for equality, justice, and human rights until freedom was achieved. Photo: Kelebogile Metsileng
Aleksandra
Marketing Manager
Bulgaria
“I love sunbathing. I didn’t realize the UN helps protect our oceans, keeping beaches open and sustainable.”
The UN works to keep oceans healthy by tackling pollution, promoting sustainable coastal management, and protecting marine biodiversity. Through global agreements and partnerships, it helps ensure cleaner waters, resilient ecosystems, and beaches that remain safe, open, and enjoyable for communities and visitors alike. Photo: Personal archive
Chloë
Law Student
Malta
“The UN helps Malta face challenges we cannot solve alone, including protecting the sea, maritime laws, and migration. This also inspires us to contribute to global solutions.”
At the United Nations, all countries are equal — small and big, developing or high-income. Global coordination on crucial topics, like climate change, the environment, migration, or the laws of the sea, benefit all countries and peoples, while allowing them to in turn contribute to global decisions. Photo: Monique Mizzi
Oni
Anti-HIV-Stigma Advocate
Indonesia
"Young people feel comfortable using the services at Waibu Primary Health Center, whose staff are friendly and treat all patients equally."
In Indonesia's West Papua Province, health workers are adopting innovative outreach methods to combat HIV-related stigma and discrimination, particularly among the youth. Oni is one of several activists supported by UNAIDS to make health services more youth-friendly, addressing knowledge gaps and concerns about confidentiality. Photo: UNIC Jakarta/Gusti Tanati
Solange
Attiéké Maker
Côte D'Ivoire
"When I learned that attiéké is now recognized by UNESCO, I cried tears of joy. It's not just cassava, it's our history, our know-how, passed down from mother to daughter. Today, I'm not just a manufacturer, I'm a heritage custodian."
With support from UNESCO’s office in Côte d’Ivoire, the "know-how related to the production of attiéké" (a culinary specialty made from cassava) was inscribed in December 2024 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, honouring women’s ingenuity, cultural identity, and intergenerational knowledge. Photo: UNESCO/Yoann Marc DAH
Itzel
Feminist Activist
Nicaragua
"When the UN promotes gender equality, it opens paths for girls, women, and rural communities to live with greater freedom, acknowledge their rights, and build a more just future."
The United Nations works worldwide to advance gender equality by promoting women’s rights, combating discrimination, and expanding access to education, health and economic opportunities. Through programmes and partnerships, it empowers women and girls to participate fully in society and shape fairer, more inclusive communities. Photo: Personal archive
Aphrodita
Student
Nauru
“With UN support, girls like me are remaining in school, getting knowledge about their bodies and making informed choices not only for now but also for their future.”
In Nauru, the United Nations works with schools and health authorities to empower girls through education and life skills programmes. By promoting reproductive health awareness, supporting teachers, and strengthening safe learning environments, the UN helps ensure girls stay in school and shape their own futures. Photo: Nauru Government Information Office
This exhibit was launched in October 2025