My name is Polina Koroleva and I'm from the Russian Federation. I serve as an international UN Volunteer Associate Programme Management Officer with Digital Transformation subprogramme of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Ever since I was a student, I've been fascinated with data science, and its power to provide insights from complex data sets. And now as part of my role, I develop digital products and services across different regions of UNEP.
Digital transformation brings new possibilities where we can measure the sustainability, track detriments such as green house emissions and maximize use of our existing resources. This is part of UNEP's Medium Term Strategy, the outcomes of which I support.
Under UNEP's Digital Transformation subprogramme, I analyze data that speeds up and scales solutions for the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. For this purpose, I conduct an inventory of all digital outputs delivered by UNEP's Regional Offices, a total of 94 digital products and services. And as a coordinator for the Coalition of Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES), I oversee the website and its upcoming launch.
I also coordinate Digital Discovery sessions where we delve deep into specific applications of digital technology, and gauge the impact of technology on environment.
Digitalization is fundamentally changing the way we interact, learn, work, and relate to each other. So how do we make sure digital transformation increases our push toward social, environmental and economic sustainability?
Our planet needs these well-informed decisions and actions as never before. I believe that digital technology can help us achieve a green and sustainable future. The broad network and powerful tools of the United Nations are an excellent platform for aligning digital and sustainable transformations at the global level. And I'm excited to be a part of it."
I have always been a learner and I'm never afraid to learn on the go. I feel it's a challenge but also an achievement.
I've always been passionate about data science and environmental science. However, it was not always easy to find a job that would incorporate both. At UNEP I’ve found what I was looking for! I coordinate communications with UNEP Digital Champions, facilitate Digital Discovery sessions and organize data for efficient knowledge management."
Kieren Mayers (center) from Sony Corporation gives a presentation to the UNEP staff members on the Virtual Reality (VR) Sony session organized by Polina Koreleva at the UNEP press room in Nairobi. @ UNV, 2022.
As part of my UN Volunteer assignment with the Digital Transformation Suprogramme team, I have an amazing opportunity to work in the field I’m very passionate about. Providing results in the communication field, where I haven’t had much experience before was made a bit easier with learning resources by UNV's eCampus."
Digital solutions for a greener and environmentally sustainable future, yes, that's possible!