A Journey Shaped by Different Contexts
I was born and raised in the Republic of Korea. My journey with the United Nations began during an internship with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Kenya, where I realised that many of today's defining challenges—including climate change, food insecurity, and natural resource management—cannot be solved by any one country alone. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in multilateral cooperation, driven by the belief that global challenges require collective action.
Since then, I have worked in Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and now Ethiopia. Although each country has its own history, culture, and political context, one lesson has remained constant: young people everywhere aspire to the same things—a life of dignity, peace, opportunity, and hope. What differs is not their aspirations, but the circumstances they are born into—not by choice, but by chance.
Discovering the Climate, Peace and Security Nexus
My first encounter with the Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) nexus came in Kyrgyzstan, where I supported a Peacebuilding Fund project along the Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan border. The initiative addressed water scarcity and natural resource management challenges exacerbated by climate change. It showed how cooperation over shared natural resources could build trust, reduce tensions, and strengthen peace between neighbouring communities.
That understanding deepened during a mission to eastern DRC. Communities already affected by conflict faced even greater hardship as flooding disrupted humanitarian access, displaced families once again, and worsened food insecurity. Witnessing these realities showed me that climate change is not simply an environmental issue—it is a threat multiplier that amplifies existing vulnerabilities and undermines peace and development.
Advancing Climate, Peace and Security Through Multilateralism
Today, as a Junior Professional Officer with the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), I see how climate change continues to affect livelihoods, migration, education, and security across Africa. From the Horn of Africa and the Sahel to Small Island Developing States, climate impacts place additional pressure on already vulnerable communities, reinforcing that climate resilience is essential for sustainable peace.
At UNOAU, I have been working on the Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) agenda, supporting work on regional issues in the East and Horn of Africa, while also compiling the Office's weekly reports. In particular, I have contributed to advancing the CPS agenda through engagement with the African Union, Member States, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, and the COP31 Presidencies of Australia and Türkiye, while contributing to preparations for COP32 in Ethiopia. These experiences have shown me that lasting solutions depend on partnership, shared ownership, and sustained cooperation.
Growing as a Young Professional
Being a Junior Professional Officer has been an invaluable opportunity for growth. Participating in the Climate, Peace and Security training organised by the Austrian Centre for Peace in Addis Ababa deepened my understanding of the CPS agenda while connecting me with practitioners from across Africa. A short-term assignment with UNEP in Geneva also broadened my perspective on climate finance implementation. Together, these experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful contributions are driven not by age or seniority, but by curiosity, aspirations, and a willingness to grow.
Building a Shared Future
The theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations resonates deeply with my own journey. Working across different countries has taught me that while our circumstances may differ, our aspirations rarely do. Young people everywhere seek peace, opportunity, and the chance to build a sustainable future. As young professionals, we have the privilege and responsibility to connect ideas, strengthen partnerships, and turn those shared aspirations into collective action. Through my work in Climate, Peace and Security, I hope to help translate those shared aspirations into practical solutions that strengthen peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United Nations Office to the African Union.
