Mirriam Mondia: Towards global change

When the 40-year+ partnership between Papua New Guinea and FAO was strengthened with the opening of a Country Office in 2013, I was one of the first national staff to recruited to support the operation and coordination of the FAO country program portfolio. I am an Agriculturalist (a ‘didi-meri’) with a background in livestock, and have been working with FAO for over 5 years, and in the agriculture sector for nearly a decade.

I was always intrigued and fascinated about the work of the United Nations around the world. For me, the UN had the power to influence and affect CHANGE, not only at the country-level, but GLOBALLY. I wanted to be a part of that, and see if I could also influence/ affect change, especially in the most important sector relevant to the 85 percent of the population in PNG.

Being super passionate about the industry I work in, and knowing that the work I do through FAO and the UN is very important to serving the majority of the rural population, I am motivated daily to want to do more to see impact and tangible changes in our communities, ensuring food security, nutrition and economic and agricultural independence and sustainability. The UN provides the neutral platform for young woman like myself to do what we love to do – and serve with humility and impartiality for the greater good.

Working with the UN is rewarding because I have the ability to affect and influence change in our communities and touch the lives of many people, especially the most vulnerable in rural communities and seeing the impact of our programs to sustain their livelihood.