TheJourneyVolume1 - Book - Page 71
sector became more and more relevant for my work at
UNDP. As TICAD Program Adviser, my experience and
knowledge of Japan, of international business, as well as
development in Africa, enabled me to function effectively
as the “bridge-builder” to promote partnership and collaboration among increasingly diverse stakeholders.
I felt that my experiences somehow came together and
gave me the unique ability to nurture “win-win” solutions
for governments, the private sector, multilateral institutions, as well as Africa, the UN, and Japan.
As I was exploring the next step in my career, the UN
Development System Reform started taking shape, opening
windows for the new generation of UNDP Resident
Representatives. With my belief in collective strength
through diversity, I wished to see if I could contribute to
the creation of a renewed UNDP with my experiences
and perspectives. It was a true privilege to be selected
as part of the most diverse group of RRs yet, under the
#NextGenUNDP initiative.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 opened new, exciting
windows for UNDP to focus on, creating opportunities
for the future, through digitalization, innovation, entrepreneurship, women, and youth.
Malawi was the only country in Africa to be selected
by the UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund, for its
proposal to support innovation and entrepreneurship
in agriculture. Working with colleagues and the people
of Malawi through challenges and crises has reaffirmed
my belief in our strength in diversity and the power of
collaboration and human potentials. I look forward to
our continued journey, building the next generation of
UNDP leadership, serving as the network of networks, and
creating windows of opportunity for our common future. 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
MALAWI: NAVIGATING STORMS
Going through political and socio-economic crises and
the COVID-19 pandemic, while reorienting UNDP for the
future, serving as UNDP RR in Malawi since June 2019
has been a challenging experience. It was somewhat like
jumping on to a flying plane, making major repairs and
reconfigurations in mid flight, navigating through huge
storms, and exploring new pathways for a new UNDP.
It has, nevertheless, been a very rewarding
experience, both professionally and personally. The
political crisis in 2019 reconfirmed the critical role of
UNDP in safeguarding the space for political and social
dialogue among diverse stakeholders both within and
outside the country.
Malawi received global recognition for the role of its
Judiciary in bringing the nation out of the political crises
and strengthening its democracy.
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