Life on the Blue Pacific Continent

By Mehnaz Hossain

Disclaimer: The views are those of the author's alone and do not represent the views of UNA-Canada.

Image 1: JPC Mehnaz Hossain

As I write this post, I have completed my sixth week at the UNDP Pacific Multi-Country Office located in Suva, Fiji. The Fiji office is responsible for providing regional and country support to 10 countries- Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Therefore, while I sit at my desk in front of a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, I can be working on projects based in any one of these 10 countries or even a regional project with stakeholders from multiple countries.

I got off the plane on a beautiful early morning in Nadi, Fiji having left a major snowstorm behind in Toronto. As soon as I walked out, I was greeted by sun and heat- an amazing feeling being a world away from the North American winter I had left behind. I made my way to Suva, Fiji which is the capital, and started work on January 30th. From the moment I walked inside I was instantly made comfortable by everyone. UNDP Fiji is an office that promotes work-life balance with a wonderful, mix of people who work collaboratively to make change happen.