Shared Lives, Shared Future

Osleidy
Seamstress
Panama

“I arrived here seven years ago, and the welcome I’ve received — personally and professionally — has been truly remarkable. IOM's support has made a real difference in my journey.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration by offering free legal advice and community awareness activities. These efforts have reached more than 1,200 migrants in Panama with vital information about the requirements for migratory and labour regularization. More than 270 migrants, including Osleidy, were able to obtain temporary residency and work permits.  Photo: IOM

Yaribel
Farm Producer
Panama

"It is great that people get to know my story and products. I feel happy to connect the countryside with UN projects."

The Sustainable Transformation of Municipal Markets project, implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), aims to turn municipal markets into hubs of innovation for healthy food, circular economy, and social cohesion. Photo: UNDP/Esther Elgaard

Annabelle^*
Survivor of Sorcery Accusations
Papua New Guinea

“When I returned to my village after being falsely accused of witchcraft, things had returned to normal. People realized they had believed lies.”

Every year in Papua New Guinea, hundreds of women are killed, tortured or ostracized from their communities after being accused of witchcraft. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Catholic Church provide survivors with shelter, healthcare, counselling, and support with reintegration into their communities. Photo: UNDP/Juho Valta

^*Real name withheld

Manuel
Organic Farmer
Peru

"The UN is helping us bring our projects and ideas to life. We grow our vegetables using organic products, which we sell to schools helping provide children with nutritious meals."

In Sechura, Ayacucho, and Cusco, the World Food Programme (WFP) is strengthening the role of local family farming as a transformative agent to achieve sustainable and inclusive food systems that provide better opportunities for small-scale producers, their families, and communities. Photo: WFP Perú/Maria Elena Melgar Baella

Louise
Social Entrepreneur and Chef
Philippines

“Through the UN, my work that began in the aftermath of super-typhoons grew into a mission for climate resilience in one of the most vulnerable regions of the world."

Following a 2016 typhoon’s destruction of agricultural landscapes in the Philippines, Louise’s initial fundraising campaign turned into a larger mission to cultivate regenerative, resilient landscapes through cacao farming. Supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2019, Louise’s project has now helped plant more than 350,000 trees and restore more than 400 hectares of land. Photo: UNEP

Fahad
Cybercrime Officer
Qatar

“All countries around the world face similar cybercrime challenges, and thanks to the UN, we are able to work together as we look for common solutions.”

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) established a Regional Center for Combating Cybercrime in Qatar’s capital, Doha, in 2023. Its initiatives have supported Fahad and other regional officials, judges, police, and prosecutors in tackling cybercrime. Photo: UNODC/Karam Sleiman

Rosa
Elderly Home Resident
Dominican Republic

“I feel good here, because I received so much kindness and a treatment that is humane and respectful.”

Roxana
Doctor and Professor
Romania

“Thanks to the UN, I know the vaccines I give my patients are safe and effective, and standardized globally.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) reviews all the available evidence to make sure that vaccines and other medicines are safe to administer. This stamp of approval gives countries and doctors confidence to use them. Photo: Personal archive

Lulwa
Young Banker
Kuwait

“Thanks to the UN, challenges became opportunities, opening doors for me at the bank. Their trust and support boosted my confidence, dignity, and purpose."

Lulwa is one of more than 380 people with disabilities in Kuwait receiving training and support with job market integration via the UN-supported 'Partners in their Employment' initiative. Launched in 2018, nearly 65% of the participants are now employed — including many in the private sector.  Photo: Personal archive

Kabandana Theodomir
Teacher
Rwanda

“With internet access through the UN–Airtel partnership, our teaching has improved. We enhance our skills and students’ learning.”

In Rwanda, the United Nations and partners are advancing digital education through the Airtel–UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme. It already connects 21 schools, with 200 more to follow, offering free access to e-learning platforms. Thousands more schools across 13 African countries are also benefiting from the initiative. Photo: UNICEF/Kabandana

Pierre
Lighthouse Keeper
France

“The inclusion of the Cordouan Lighthouse on the World Heritage List in July 2021 is a wonderful recognition of maritime heritage.”

UNESCO oversees the World Heritage List, which identifies cultural and natural sites recognized for their Outstanding Universal Value. This list promotes shared responsibility among nations and fosters collective action to safeguard places that matter to all of humanity. Photo: Agence REA/Sébastien Ortola

Richard
Farmer and Former Architect
Saint Kitts and Nevis

“There was a real need for commercial production of fresh greens. My goal is to cut lettuce imports, ease the island’s food bill, and build a farming legacy.”

Richard was among 46 farmers and ministry officials who received training, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), on growing sweet pepper and lettuce using hydroponic systems. Together with new tools, this training helped boost productivity, cut dependence on imports, and promote sustainable local food production, advancing food security across the country. Photo: Tatiana Dore

Rianka
Indigenous Youth Leader
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

“The UN’s recognition of indigenous knowledge affirms what we’ve always known: it isn’t just history, it’s survival.”

Indigenous Peoples and local communities play a vital leadership role in building a climate-resilient future. United Nations resolutions have recognized that their values and practices, rooted in collective care for all life, offer holistic and transformational ways to respond to climate change. The COP UN Climate Change conferences provide inclusive spaces to share such knowledge and experiences, helping shape climate policies grounded in lived realities and diverse world views. Photo: Caribbean Development Bank

Taase
IT Programmer
Samoa

“Through these UN-coordinated workshops, we are all part of efforts to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections."

In Samoa, the United Nations is coordinating workshops aimed at strengthening universal suffrage. The trainings emphasize civic education, helping people understand the importance of voting, while ensuring that people with special needs are not left behind. Photo: Eteva Fonoti

Agata
Student
San Marino

“The UN gives San Marino an equal place at the table, shaping decisions that affect us all. It reminds our community that size doesn’t limit our impact — and it inspires us to contribute where we can.”

San Marino, a UN Member State since 1992, participates fully in the General Assembly and its debates, with the same vote as the largest nations. Through this equal representation, it engages on global priorities such as human rights, climate change, and sustainable development.  Photo: Personal archive

Angeline
Student
El Salvador

"I got the HPV vaccine, which prevents cancer when we're older. I was vaccinated by Glenda. She comes to our house so we don't miss the vaccines."

Glenda is a community health worker in charge of a health unit in El Salvador. She travels long distances, sometimes across agricultural farmland, to reach the most remote homes like the one in which 10-year-old Angeline was vaccinated. The project is supported by UNICEF thanks to CANVAX funding from the government of Canada. Photo: UNICEF El Salvador/Oscar Leiva

Khurshed
Secondary School Student
Tajikistan

“Our school now has running water for everyone. Learning became even more easier and fun!” 

The UN works closely with the Government to advance Tajikistan's initiatives in addressing climate change, ensuring water supplies, and enhancing glaciers’ preservation and environmental sustainability. Photo: UNICEF/Madina Nazarova

Marsh
Local Resident
Jamaica

"After Hurricane Beryl destroyed our roof and fish traps, my family and I relied on WFP cash assistance to buy food and begin rebuilding our livelihood."

In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl struck the Caribbean, damaging homes and infrastructure across several islands, including Jamaica. With UN support through pre-positioned kits and cash assistance, hundreds of families began recovering quickly. Photo: WFP/Carla Alleyne

Arso
Stateless Young Man
Thailand

“I dream of becoming a professional football player. My message to others: never stop trying.”

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) supports Thailand in its efforts to resolve the statelessness of some 500,000 people, and works with NGO partners to assist the authorities in providing them with legal aid and to apply for nationality and permanent residency. Photo: UNHCR/Apipar Norapoompipat

Yasmina
Governmental Legal Expert
Saudi Arabia

“UNCITRAL plays a key role in the development and harmonization of international trade law, including through initiatives such as the Case Law on UNCITRAL Texts (CLOUT) database.”

The United Nations Commission On International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) offers a crucial database of case law supporting consistency and transparency in the application of international trade law. For Saudi Arabia, this represents an important tool in enhancing legal understanding, fostering judicial practice in line with international standards and promoting confidence among investors. Photo: Personal archive

Vidmantas
Civil Servant
Lithuania

“I didn’t know the UN is behind ensuring the quality of medicines before they even reach my pharmacy.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) works with governments to ensure that medicines, vaccines and other health products manufactured around the world meet international regulatory standards. This helps build trust among doctors and patients in the safety and effectiveness of these products, while also facilitating the global trade of safe, effective and quality-assured medical products. Photo: Personal archive

Gerald
Researcher
Seychelles

“Thanks to the UN, I learned to develop and analyze demographic profiles, reviewing and updating population policies to enhance development."

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA)’s support for Seychelles’ National Transfer Account (NTA) Report has been pivotal in advancing evidence-based policymaking. By revealing economic flows across generations, the report guides strategic investments in youth, aging, and social protection ensuring inclusive, sustainable development tailored to Seychelles’ unique demographic realities.  Photo: UNFPA Mauritius & Seychelles

Aminata
Water Kiosk Operator
Sierra Leone

"Thanks to the UN, we now understand that what we went through was abuse — and we’ve learned to stand up. I’ve helped report and prevent many cases, and won’t stop."

In Sierra Leone, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)’s Women for Water and Peace project, supported by Switzerland, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Peacebuilding Fund, built solar-powered water kiosks in vulnerable communities. Run by trained women, these kiosks provide safe, affordable water while tackling past exploitation, empowering women as leaders and protectors of dignity. Photo: UNCDF Sierra Leone/James Kabia

Nathalie
Student
Singapore

“Artificial intelligence is amazing, but also a bit scary. I am happy the UN is trying to promote governance to manage risks.”

In 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution calling for safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI). In 2025, Member States decided to establish an International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance, strengthening global cooperation to manage risks and ensure ethical, inclusive innovation. Photo: UN Global Compact Network Singapore

Peter
IT Specialist
Slovenia

"Every time I watch live TV, check the weather, or use satellite navigation, I didn’t realize that satellites depend on the UN’s efforts to avoid interference and keep services reliable."

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) manages the global radio-frequency spectrum and coordinates satellite orbits, ensuring services like weather forecasting, satellite navigation, aviation and maritime safety, and international broadcasting run smoothly without interference. By managing shared, finite spectrum and orbit resources, ITU makes the radiocommunication technologies we rely on every day—from transport to entertainment—safe, accessible, efficient and universally connected. Photo: Nik Jevšnik

Nazma Moolee
High-Sea Fisherwoman
Mauritius

“Deep-sea fishing faces pollution from maritime traffic. Artisanal fishers need support and facilities to continue supplying fresh fish locally.”

The west coast lagoons of Mauritius are depleted by human activity, while deep-sea fishing faces pollution from maritime traffic and possible illegal fishing. Artisanal fishers have received support by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to continue supplying fresh fish locally. Photo: UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles/Stéphane Bellerose

Batulo
Women's Rights Advocate
Somalia

"Thanks to UN support, Somali women play an important role in resolving conflicts, addressing gender inequality and underrepresentation of women in decision-making."

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia has been supporting Somali women to navigate structural and cultural barriers preventing their inclusion in decision-making processes, including entrenched patriarchy, clan-based political systems and religious conservatism. Photo: UNTMIS/Mukhtar Nuur

Emina
Peace Advocate
Bosnia and Herzegovina

“With UN support, we brought together youth from here and Serbia, two countries with complex pasts. In a region where silence often prevails, this is not only rare — it’s powerful.”

Emina’s organization, 'Youth for Peace' has received funding, capacity-building and mentorship from the Youth Solidarity Fund, a flagship programme by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) supporting youth-led projects that promote peace and social inclusion. Photo: Emina Frljak

Cynthia
Midwife
Zambia

“Women arrive weak and worried. It's not easy to fight cholera; it's worse for pregnant women. We nurse them and their unborn children back to health.”

As part of its emergency response to the 2023/4 cholera outbreak in Zambia, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supported a maternity ward, where Cynthia works, in offering specialized care to pre- and postnatal women affected by cholera. The ward cared for and discharged 69 pregnant women, and delivered 21 babies, in the course of the outbreak. The country recorded 20,577 cholera cases between October 2023 and March 2024. Photo: UNFPA Zambia/Clement Mwanza

Lamia
Economist
Spain

“Thanks to the UN’s support for e-mobility in Barcelona, I see how small daily actions — like cycling on an e-bike — help make our cities more sustainable.”

UN-Habitat, through its partnership with the Barcelona City Council, supports sustainable and resilient urban mobility initiatives in line with smart-city strategies. Its Urban Electric Mobility Initiative promotes the integration of electric bicycles and other e-mobility solutions into city planning. These efforts enable residents like Lamia to enjoy healthier lifestyles while reducing their carbon footprint and building resilient cities.  Photo: Photographybarcelona.com/Ainhoa Goma

Evaliis
Student
Estonia

“I didn’t know that UN standards help me find fresh fruit and vegetables from all over the world in my local supermarket.”

Countries come to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to develop voluntary agricultural quality standards that facilitate exports for key products. These open up markets for over 100 fresh and dried products, in a sector employing over one billion people worldwide. For consumers, these standards help ensure high-quality fruit, vegetables and other produce. Photo: Personal archive

Nadia
Mother
Sudan

"Water was not available, and we sometimes drink murky water or salty water. But thanks to the wells, water is now available."

UNICEF’s solar-powered borehole in Alhudaibah provides safe water to over 1,000 families, schools, and health facilities, helping avert a water crisis and strengthen resilience for displaced and host communities in River Nile State. Photo: Mohamed Dawod/UNICEF Sudan

Alumita
Student
Tuvalu

"With UN support, I got vaccinated to protect myself from getting sick."

Tuvalu has a well-functioning vaccination programme, supported by UNICEF, the UN children’s fund. Its isolation from the rest of the world makes logistics difficult, but with the help of advanced coolers, the vaccines arrive safely without being damaged by the high temperatures. Children are vaccinated against measles, rubella, hepatitis, rotavirus, and HPV, among others. Photo: UNICEF/Khan 

Ana Lucia
Nurse
São Tomé and Príncipe

“It’s great that the UN has been supporting our Government to ensure inclusive health services.”

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the United Nations is supporting the government in strengthening health systems, ensuring inclusive services for mothers and children, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Photo: WHO São Tomé and Príncipe/Joaquim dos Santos

Annika
NGO Leader
Switzerland

"In Switzerland, we live in a country of peace — a privilege that comes with the responsibility to help create similar opportunities for others."

Working closely with UN entities in Geneva, a major UN host city, the NGO 'Eduki' led by Annika connects youth with experts, helping them understand how international cooperation shapes our world, impacts their lives and how everyone can contribute to a sustainable future. Photo: Eduki