TheJourneyVolume1 - Book - Page 16
#NextGenUNDP
Mohamed Abchir Aouale
Coun tr y o f O r igin :
UNDP Co u n t r y O f f ic e :
Date o f Ap po in tm e n t :
DJ I BO UT I
BE N I N
N OV E M BE R 2 02 0
“MY DREAM IS TO SEE YOUNG
AFRICANS BELIEVING IN THE
POTENTIAL OF THIS CONTINENT.”
I
am a proud Djiboutian, even though my roots are
spread all over the Horn of Africa and even beyond.
As the oldest child in my family, I grew up being
part of big family decisions from a very young age.
Including engaging in the future and education of my
brothers. This childhood foundation gave me strong
character and leadership skills. But also importantly, I
learnt from a very young age, how to listen and care for
others.
My parents also taught me and my brothers, the values
of modesty, honesty, as well as the importance of hard
work, solidarity, and education.
Growing up, I was an active child who participated
in sport, including at high-level competitions. Through
sports, I learned about teamwork, discipline, trusting
partners, enjoying our victories together, accepting
defeat, and never giving up.
It has always been my dream to join the United Nations.
My deep-rooted hope and desire has been to contribute
and promote peace, development, as well as help people,
become more resilient. I have always considered myself
as a voice for the voiceless.
I come from a region with over 4000 years of
history. A region of significant achievements and contributions to the history of the world.
VALUE OF FREEDOM
My country gained independence in 1977. I was there on
the D-day. You truly understand the value of freedom
and independence when you see your national flag raised
high for the first time and you sing the national anthem.
However, in the recent past, wars and droughts may have
shaped my region, and growing up in that context, helped
me to understand from a very early age, the value of peace,
and the importance of promoting it. We have a popular
saying: “The best bed that a man can sleep on, is peace.”
I studied and completed my higher education in France,
and I hold a PhD in Geology and Geochemistry from the
University of Paris VII and the Institut de Physiques du
Globe de Paris (IPGP). I also have a Master’s degree in
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of
Clermont-Ferrand. My PhD in Geology meant I had the
opportunity to quickly get involved in issues such as
natural resources management, water, coral reefs, and
natural disaster risk reduction.
I have always understood the political and developmental aspects of my work and the need for regional
and international cooperation, and I am passionate
about Africa. I love this continent. I feel inspired by its
people and its energy. And although I am fully aware of
the many challenges that we face and fight, I have never
been an Afro-pessimist. Africa will rise. Being part of that
adventure is a privilege and an honor. My dream is to see
young Africans believe in the potential of this continent.
PRIVILEGE AND A RESPONSIBILITY
Prior to my assignment as Resident Representative
in Benin, I served at the Regional Office for Africa as
Principal Country Advisor and Team Leader, in charge
of Eastern and Southern Africa between 2018-2020. But
prior to this, my formative years in the UN began when
Deputy Resident Representative offered me the first
opportunity to contribute to sustainable development.
Later, some of the great leaders of this organization
realized that I could offer more than my technical skills.
They provided me with the guidance I needed to be where
I am today. All the roads will take you to Roma when you
are passionate.
Being RR is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Challenges are always present, but we should see challenges
as opportunities for change, to adjust and find strategies to
overcome them. For me, giving up on aspirations has never ›
The best bed that a man
can sleep on, is peace.”
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