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Juana
Environmentalist and Guapinol Resident
Honduras

"The UN has always been close to the Guapinol case and supported us with advocacy, working with the institutions."

The Guapinol region in Honduras was polluted under previous legislation that favoured the rights of companies over human beings. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) supported environmental defenders as they took their case to parliament. In 2024, the area was protected as a national park. Photo: OHCHR/Vincent Tremeau

Sekanao
Wheat Farmer
Malawi

"Since starting solar-powered irrigation in 2021, we are harvesting more than enough. We even have surplus to sell and earn income. Food scarcity is now behind us."

Without irrigation, 90% of farmers in Malawi depend on rain to produce crops. Thanks to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Sekanao is among more than 1,800 farmers to have installed solar-powered irrigation systems, boosting resilience against historic droughts and climate change. Photo: WFP/Giulio d'Adamo

Pedro
Globetrotter
Portugal

"I¡¯m on a trip across Asia. I was surprised to learn that I can access weather forecasts on my smartphone thanks to UN coordination."

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a United Nations specialized agency. It coordinates the work of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. By facilitating the exchange of real-time data, forecasts and early warnings, WMO underpins services that protect lives and livelihoods worldwide ¡ª from local weather apps to global aviation and shipping. Photo: Personal archive

Ratna
Voter
Nepal

"I am a voter."^*

Ratna, 80, shows her registration card after voting in Nepal¡¯s Constituent Assembly elections in 2008. The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) supported national authorities with preparing and conducting the elections, a critical milestone in the country¡¯s peace process following a decade of armed conflict. Photo: UN Photo/Nayan Tara

^*Quote extracted from story

Najoua
Journalist
Tunisia

"Working with data is more than just analysis ¡ª it¡¯s about telling real stories that uphold dignity and advance human rights. When used wisely, information has the power to change lives."

A data literacy programme by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank Group, and the Center of Arab Women for Training and Research offers training and mentorships in data journalism, promoting quality reliable and accurate journalism and supporting public access to information. Photo: UNFPA/Mariem Ouled Cheib

Chris
Intellectual Property Lawyer
United States of America

"I represent clients in the global marketplace. WIPO plays a key role ensuring that intellectual property laws around the world are consistent."

The United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) harmonizes intellectual property laws and standards across countries. Through treaties, guidelines, and dispute resolution services, it helps businesses and creators protect their rights internationally, ensuring smoother trade, innovation and access to global markets under consistent frameworks. Photo: Leigh Genser

Nour
NGO Founder
Sudan

"They pointed a gun at me, but I was determined to move to Wad Medani with the women and orphans. I could not leave them behind, especially after witnesseing what happened to women and girls."

Nour founded the Shamaa Organization ¨C Arabic for 'candle' ¨C to support vulnerable people in conflict-ridden Sudan. Together with UN-Habitat, she has helped more than 8,000 single mothers and orphans with shelter and health care. When fighting erupted in 2023, she evacuated her charges to safety. Photo: UNOCHA/Matteo Minasi

Nowai
Farmer
Liberia

"Thanks to the UN, we have peace, I can grow my crops and take care of my family."

The United Nations is supporting post-conflict Liberia. For 15 years after a UN-brokered ceasefire, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) helped usher in a new era of peace. Now, UN agencies support Nowai and other farmers with growing crops. Photo: UN Liberia

Abdulrahman
Former Student
Occupied Palestinian Territory

"I lost my leg because of the war. Only the UN has been helping me. We are innocent children who need food, treatment, and support to continue our lives."

Abdulrahman, 10, a victim of the conflict in Gaza, found safety and support through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides shelter, food, medical care, and psychosocial support, offering a lifeline to thousands of children caught up in the violence. Photo: UNRWA Gaza

Adimas
Farmer and Entrepreneur
Indonesia

"Many young people associate farming with dirtiness and difficulty, but the greenhouse we've developed shows you can live close to nature and use cutting edge technology."

Adimas won a grant creating opportunities for young people in agriculture at a time when many are seeking jobs in urban areas. The UN Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Support Services Programme is co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Indonesia¡¯s Agriculture Ministry. Photo: UNIC Jakarta/Hendra Nurdiansyah

Yves
Environment Lawyer
Switzerland

"Thanks to the UN, I can obtain the information I need to protect the environment and participate in decision-making processes."

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)'s Aarhus Convention links environmental rights and human rights and goes to the heart of the relationship between people and governments in environmental matters in democratic contexts. Photo: UNECE/Thomas Croll-Knight

Eloi
Rice Farmer
Benin

"With this software, we can open more doors. We see something consistent, real and tangible."

Developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the RuralInvest software is helping farmers and entrepreneurs in Benin transform agricultural yields and other data into structured business plans. The technology is boosting investments in agriculture, and helping farmers access finance from both banks and decentralized financial systems. Photo: FAO/Giulio Napolitano

Neli
Student
Armenia

"I dream of becoming a diplomat to help establish peace in the world. Thanks to UNFPA, I lead community projects empowering young girls. Our dreams are worth pursuing."

As a Girl Child Ambassador for a project supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Neli learned about leadership, advocacy, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Now she educates other Armenian girls ¡ª passing on skills and confidence to shape their own futures. Photo: UNFPA/Artyom Dalyan

Nadeen
Attempted FGM Survivor
Yemen

"My big sister would have died. I don¡¯t understand female genital mutilation, but I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s terrible. I¡¯m lucky to be spared."

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 'Safe Spaces' have helped Nadeen¡¯s and thousands of other families in Yemen take a stand against female genital mutilation (FGM). The programme empowers individuals to reject this harmful tradition, and provides legal and psychosocial support. Photo: UNFPA/Shamikh Ghanem

Frederik
Forestry Engineer
Belgium

"These ancient beech forests are vulnerable to climate change. By maintaining a forest microclimate and adaptive management, we can preserve them for future generations."

Belgium's Sonian Forest hosts one of Europe's old-growth beech forests ¡ª recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Frederik stands at the start of Belgium's first 'UN Trail.' An online application tells visitors how preserving and restoring ecosystems can help tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Photo: Personal archive

Ismail
Palestinian Refugee
Jordan

"The UN has been our lifeline for over five decades. My children and grandchildren have received education and healthcare through UN services. Without the UN, we would be lost."

For more than 50 years, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has supported Ismail and his family in Jordan with primary healthcare, education, and monthly cash assistance. From healthcare to schooling, UNRWA has remained a vital source of support and stability for the families of Palestine Refugees across the region. Photo: UNRWA Jordan/Yasser Abdulfattah

Jun
Banker
China

"Thanks to the UN, banks will soon be able to accept negotiable cargo documents from clients as collateral across all modes of transport, helping mitigate trade finance risks and support global trade growth."

International trade is facilitated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). A new convention it developed fixes a legal gap by establishing a legal framework for negotiable cargo documents regardless of the mode of transportation used for the cargo. Photo: Yuning Chen

Hinda and Mohamed
Local Residents
Somalia

"Before we enrolled, we survived with what God provided for us. But once we started receiving assistance, life has become a lot better."

In Somalia, Hinda and Mohamed are among 1.2 million supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) every month with food generously donated by more than ten governments. Yet funding limitations mean even this figure accounts for just 20% of Somalians experiencing critical levels of hunger. Photo: WFP/Arete/Utaama Mahamud

Olena
Boiler Plant Dispatcher
Ukraine

"The support we received from the UN powers not only our boiler plant, but also our hearts. For Ukrainians, it means everything to know we are not alone."

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is helping Ukraine restore access to heating, water and electricity in the face of damage to critical infrastructure, by diversifying and strengthening the country¡¯s energy system. In Odesa, UNDP has provided essential equipment to help secure heat for 250,000 residents. Photo: UNDP Ukraine/Amid Askerov

Roberta
Advocate Against Sexual Violence
Nigeria

"The UN gave us a platform and equipped us with the tools to engage stakeholders and push for change."

Through the Spotlight Initiative, UN Women has empowered survivors of gender-based violence, especially women with disabilities, to reclaim their voices and lead change. Roberta, once silenced by abuse and self-doubt, is now a community advocate providing access to counseling, safe spaces, and rehabilitation services. Photo: UN Women Nigeria

Deanesh
Assistant Professor
Trinidad and Tobago

"Thanks to the UN, we¡¯re using space technology to help Tobago prepare for hurricanes and floods ¡ª protecting our homes, our livelihoods, our coastal resources and our future."

Through its UN-SPIDER programme, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and partners developed a 'digital twin', or virtual model, of the island of Tobago, using space-based technology to simulate hurricanes, floods and other hazards, improving disaster preparedness and life-saving early warning systems. Photo: Personal archive

Emna and Titouhi
Medical Technicians
Tunisia

"The UN helped us get an extracorporeal lithotriptor machine, along with being trained in Switzerland. Patients are more comfortable despite long sessions."

In Tunisia, as part of a Ministry of Health project funded by the World Bank, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) delivered more than 1,800 advanced medical devices to 75 hospitals together with specialized training ¨C improving treatment for cancer, kidney and eye ailments. Photo: UNOPS/Livia Scalabrelli

Motaf
Deck Cadet
Bangladesh

"With UN support, we have the power to shape a more inclusive and gender-balanced maritime industry."

With the Women in Maritime programme, the UN¡¯s International Maritime Organization (IMO) helps women like Motaf into shore-based and sea-going roles. By encouraging equal training opportunities and providing fellowships in developing countries, the project seeks to address the gender imbalance in the maritime industry. Photo: IMO

Isgandar
Beekeeper
Azerbaijan

"Before this project, I could only produce one ton of honey each year. Now my production has doubled. Youth's excitement about beekeeping makes me really happy, and I want to help them love this work."

Isgandar's career flourished after he joined a course offered by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Funded by the Azeri government, the 'Increasing Youth Employment in Agriculture ' project prepares young people in rural areas for agrifood-related careers, focusing on agribusiness and entrepreneurship. Photo: FAO/Javid Gurbanov

³Õ±ð°ù¨®²Ô¾±³¦²¹
Textile Businesswoman
Bolivia

"I am empowered in managing?my resources, and?have increased my sales, thanks to machinery and training provided by the UN. I now?produce 50% more. I am expanding my business and building a better future for my family.¡±

At 20, ³Õ±ð°ù¨®²Ô¾±³¦²¹'s business is going from strength to strength - becoming more innovative and sustainable. UN Women, South Korea, and the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, are helping hundreds of women like her on their paths to greater economic autonomy. Photo: UNWOMEN Bolivia

Justin
NGO Worker
Democratic Republic of the Congo

"Thanks to the UN, my colleagues and I can reach children in the remotest areas, so they don¡¯t have to keep working in mining sites."

In DRC alone, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) transports more than 214 humanitarian organisations, enabling the delivery of vital aid and protection to vulnerable people in remote areas. Justin works on a project to keep children away from dangerous mining work. Photo: WFP/Michael Castofas

Ghazala
Aspiring Artist
Jordan

"Painting at UNICEF¡¯s Makani Centre makes me feel so good. When I see my finished painting, I feel like all my emotions are there."

Ghazala, 13, found her voice creating art at a Makani centre, meaning 'My Space' in Arabic. More than 2,500 vulnerable children from the Dom community are among those benefitting from education, psychosocial support and creative activities provided by UNICEF and partners, helping them dream big. Photo: UNICEF Jordan/AbdelMajid El-Noaimi

Alberto
Farmer
Italy

"Climate change is a challenge for farming. I hope the UN will succeed in stopping it and helping countries overcome its effects."

The UN leads global action to tackle and adapt to the existential threat of climate change through meetings called COPs. UN-led action has already bent the global warming curve downwards, to a trajectory of less than 3¡ãC projected warming by the end of this century. Photo: Lorenza Dalla Pozza

Veronique
Market Seller
Central African Republic

"I don¡¯t have a lot of money, and my house was flooded and collapsed. The UN provided cash for me to buy bricks and rebuild."

The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Bank are working with the government in Central African Republic (CAR) to address the basic needs of displaced communities. Beneficiaries receive cash transfers via mobile phones to reduce risks associated with physical currency. Photo: UNOPS/Tchaya Zigoto

Vekoruavi
Mother
Namibia

"The UN helped me understand how breastfeeding keeps my baby healthy."

Through nutrition sessions supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Namibia, the United Nations is empowering mothers with life-saving knowledge, promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving maternal health in remote communities. Photo: WHO Namibia

Asna
Businesswoman
Comoros

"The UN listened to our business needs and coached us to improve our operations. Their support helped us achieve our goals and make our dreams a reality."

The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) supports women-led agribusinesses in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with production processes, business planning and market access. With help from UNIDO and partners in Comoros, Asna strengthened her enterprise, improved product quality, and created economic opportunities for her community. Photo: UNIDO

Khanyakwezwe
Civil Servant
Eswatini

"In HIV we need a player who is very neutral and seen to be neutral, and that is UNAIDS."

UNAIDS unites the efforts of the United Nations to fight HIV/AIDS. In January 2025, it lost half of its funding, forcing it to curtail activities globally and leading to great uncertainty in Eswatini and all countries seeking help to tackle the virus. Photo: UNAIDS