Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce

DEI at UNFPA

At UNFPA, our aspiration is to build a world in which the rights of all – in all our beautiful diversities – are respected and protected and no one is left behind. Building an inclusive UNFPA, building a more equal society, begins with each of us.

Dr. Natalia Kanem

UNFPA Executive Director

Who are we?

A diversity of perspectives, experiences and opinions is essential in advancing our efforts to foster a world more hospitable to women and girls. Our workforce comprises individuals representing 166 countries.

Our nationalities

Darker colors indicate higher representation. Source: Human Resources analytics reported as of December 2023. Includes all personnel types with the exception of staff members who are on secondment or loan, those on special conditions (such as special leaves without pay on a lien post) and consultants.

The designations employed and the presentation of material on the map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNFPA concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Due to coding limitations the wording across the indicators is standard, both in the global page and the individual country pages. The wording is applied homogeneously to all reporting offices and is by no means an endorsement or statement of recognition of sovereignty. A dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties. A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Women
Men

4%

personnel* who self-identify as a person with a disability (visible or invisible)

45

average age of personnel**

51%

of leadership positions are held by women (P5 & above)**

5%

personnel* who self-identify as a LGBTQIA+ individual

8%

personnel* who are Indigenous or Native Peoples

Source: *Self-reported survey data (52% personnel response rate) as of October 2023. Includes all personnel types.

**Human Resources analytics reported as of December 2023. Includes all personnel types with the exception of staff members who are on secondment or loan, those on special conditions (such as special leaves without pay on a lien post) and consultants.

As part of UNFPA’s 2030 People Strategy, and in line with our founding document, the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action, we recognize the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We take an intersectional approach to diversity and encourage UNFPA personnel to express their full identities and promote an environment in which they can share their stories safely. 

At UNFPA, any form of harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination is prohibited, as outlined in our policy Prohibition of Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Abuse of Authority and Discrimination, as well as in the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service.

In order to strengthen UNFPA’s “speak-up” culture through improved prevention and early resolution of workplace conflicts; increased trust in existing reporting, accountability and response mechanisms; and enhanced support to victims, survivors and affected individuals, UNFPA established the Integrity Group. The Integrity Group comprises the Coordinator for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment, the Division for Human Resources, the Legal Unit, the Office of Audit and Investigation Services, the Ethics Office and the Office of the Ombudsman. 

DEI aligns with our mandate, which is grounded in equality and human rights. Our programmes are part of the global fight against racism and all forms of discrimination, marginalization and injustice. We believe that building an equitable and inclusive UNFPA, where every voice is heard and power is shared, starts with each of us.

Our work is challenging, and harnessing a diversity of perspectives, experiences and opinions is essential in advancing our efforts to foster a world more hospitable to women and girls. Our staff comprises individuals representing 166 countries, and we welcome personnel from all walks of life regardless of ethnicity, religion, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, mental health status and any other dimension. Strengthening inclusive practices in our everyday work, especially in addressing existing biases regarding ethnicity, disability and educational background, is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing initiative. We will be continuously working until all of us feel a sense of belonging at UNFPA.

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