TheJourneyVolume1 - Book - Page 63
minimizing the adverse health and development effects of
the pandemic, makes my work as UNDP Resident Representative one of the most fulfilling roles I have taken up.
I must also underscore that keeping the team energized
during periods of isolation and anxiety involved
continuous reaching out to staff to support them. One
of the most difficult times was when we lost our dear
colleague and member of the UNDP family, our most
senior driver, Ntate Nehemia Ranchebe. He had been
with the organization for several years.
Looking back, it is fulfilling to see how I have had the
opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, both at
a personal and professional level. I have been married to
Robert Wabunoha since 1995. We are blessed with three
children, Gilbert, Gabriella, and Hubert. My husband and
I are privileged to have directly mentored and supported
the education of several young, talented people within and
out of our family – giving back to the strong foundation
that has made us a loving and supportive family. And
I remain honored to be part of the #NextGenUNDP
family where I can directly contribute to touching lives,
changing families and communities, and supporting the
nations we serve.
I fully appreciate the support network and systems
we have put in place as leaders and professionals within
the UNDP leadership in Africa, as well as working with
an exceptional team of colleagues through the United
Nations Country Team in Lesotho. I look forward to
more opportunities that lie ahead and to addressing new
challenges, as we collectively support and work with the
people of Lesotho. n
U N I T E D N AT I O N S D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M E
strong Country Office, bringing durable solutions to the
government, and offering a platform for unified interventions to multidimensional development challenges,
while maintaining UNDP’s distinct role as the lead UN
development agency. Lesotho’s governance structures
and peaceful democratic processes continue to be fundamental in supporting inclusive growth and development
during the next coming years.
Two additional priorities for me during my tenure are
working in support of the dynamic youth of this country
and strengthening how we use innovation and technology
through our UNDP Accelerator Lab, which has proven to
be catalytic to our development interventions.
In addition, I am also focusing on strengthening
environmental resilience and promoting sustainable and
greener development, including plastics management
and energy for all.
The Reginal Representative position has also accorded
me the opportunity to continue to learn by doing, and
by building strong alliances and partnerships to make a
meaningful impact. I also continuously strive to ensure
that I am strengthening my team’s capabilities by
allowing them to learn by doing as well.
I am convinced that the success of the office is based
on joint recognition and contributions from all of us, and
this is only possible thanks to the personal and professional diversity of our Country Office.
In addition, leading my team in Lesotho to manage the
challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating opportunities for UNDP to help fulfil the developmental needs of
the people of Lesotho, and supporting the government in
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