Youth innovators help build inclusive futures with ESCWA
Since November 2020, the number of UN Volunteers serving with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has reached 51, offering their expertise in 12 different areas of specialization. These volunteers include youth, specialists and experts, with experience varying between 2-15 years. In this piece, UN Youth Volunteers serving with ESCWA highlight how they contribute to knowledge-sharing platforms, drive innovation and inform inclusive COVID-19 response strategies.
Nathalie Nuwayhed is one of 15 national UN Youth Volunteers serving with ESCWA. She is deployed as a Team Assistant with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Beirut. The department is tasked with the security of UN premises, staff, and activities, and has been undertaking activities to increase the representation of women in its workforce. Nathalie’s has been engaging in outreach for new recruitments, resulting in a seven per cent increase of women in the department.
Enabling UN personnel to serve refugees in Somalia
Wenceslas Wanjala joined the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Somalia as a UN Volunteer Associate Compound Management Officer in July 2020. As a professional in the hospitality field, he has worked in conflict situations for most of his career, in South Sudan and Somalia. For Wenceslas, one of the greatest lessons one learns in such situations is the tremendous value of peace. He shares his story on the occasion of the International Day of Peace.
In my current role as an Associate Compound Management Officer with UNHCR Somalia, I have been working closely with the UNHCR technical team in fast-tracking the construction of UNHCR accommodation and office facilities. Since I joined UNHCR, I have supported and coordinated efforts to ensure that the staff facilities are ready for occupancy within the stipulated timelines.