Ownership of development priorities by developing countries

I’m a development professional with hands-on experience in international cooperation and programme implementation, most recently through my work with the UNDP’s Tax for SDGs Initiative. I supported coordination across 17 African countries, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and contributed to aligning tax systems with the Sustainable Development Goals.

With a Master’s in Development Studies and a background in International Relations and Economics, I bring strong analytical, organisational, and intercultural skills. My personal journey —from Morocco and Ghana to Palestine, Southeast Asia, and Latin America— has shaped my strong commitment to social justice and sustainable development.

I recently completed the Introduction to EU International Partnerships course and am currently pursuing the Google Project Management Certificate. I’m actively looking for opportunities to contribute to international cooperation through meaningful roles in institutions like the European Commission or the UN system, supporting the design and implementation of impactful, results-oriented programmes — particularly in Latin America.

Currently, I serve as the National M&E Expert for the CAPFish Capture Post-Harvest Project at UNIDO. My responsibilities include entering data into the OPSYS system and managing the project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) database.

I'm a multi-tasking professional with more than 25 years' experience in communication and information sector at international level. High qualified expertise acquired as a journalist and editor-in-chief, multimedia project coordinator, communication adviser and programme manager on development cooperation and humanitarian crisis, which includes media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, media and information literacy, digital transformation, politics, peace and security, migration, climate change and youth, with a strong focus on Africa and EU-Africa relations, and expertise in Western Balkans and Türkiye.

I am a Sustainable Development Practitioner with a diverse expanse of interests and subsequent expertise, which are founded on a keen understanding and appreciation for the significance attributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I am Maria Yesayan from Armenia. I am currently working in UNICEF Armenia and have experience with local youth-centered and developmental NGOs in Armenia, as well as international organizations, such as World Vision International and National Geographic. I have Bachelor's with Honor in Governance and study abroad certification in the field of Political Sciences from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I have participated in various national and international projects covering diverse topics from diversity and inclusion to piece and security issues.