As part of new website feature, in the coming weeks, personal interviews with members of the UNSPWG board will be showcased. 

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Meet João Souza e Silva, Co-President of the UN Studies Program Working Group. Between 2005 and 2011, João worked with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in East-Timor, performing humanitarian operations on programs assisting Timorese displaced populations and refugees languishing in camps. In 2008, João joined the team of international advisors responsible for the implementation of the National Recovery Strategy of the Government of East-Timor, and therefore, he was seconded to the government to assist with the implementation of the Strategy. Before starting a masters in Public Administration at SIPA, he was responsible for overseeing IOM’s support to the Government of Timor, and successfully finalizing the reintegration program.

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What is your position on the UNSP Working Group Board?
I am one of the two co-chairs of the working group.

Why did you choose to get involved with the UN Studies Program Working Group?
It was quite a natural thing. My interest in the relevance of the UN system in international development made me become interested and in the activities of the group and friends with its member community. Gradually I became more and more involved with the group.

What did you do before you came to SIPA?
I took my undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Finance at PUC-Rio de Janeiro, and worked in Timor-Leste and Brazil.

What about the UN interests you?
The opportunity to work in so many different settings and the potential to have a positive impact in people’s lives.

What do you think young people have to offer for the United Nations?
As in most organizations, fresh minded people usually offer new ways to do things. Specifically in the UN, we impact the status quo and It’s essential to find the correct avenues to do in the machine. When one finds it, the personal rewards is immeasurable.

What diplomat would you like to have a coffee with?
Sergio Vieira de Mello, for sure! I would love to have had the opportunity to have a coffee with him.

What is your “hometown” like compared with the environment of New York City?
Rio is obviously more tropical, better beaches and an all year long summertime. However, social inequality is dramatic, culturally it’s not as active and gender inequality is certainly stronger.

What has been your favorite UNSPWG event or what event are you looking forward to?
I found last years retreat really cool. That was a place where I got to meet most of the current board members. This year we are trying to put together a simulation of an international response to a natural disaster. I am pretty excited about this event.

Any advice for new SIPA students?
Save your sleep for the days after graduation!