LocationsJPO Story - Minji Kwag
May 21, 2025
Participants from UNDP’s JPO and Graduate programmes, along with organizers, take a group photo at the 2025 Purpose, Programmes, and Operations (PPO) Workshop in New York, February 2025
What is your educational background?
Aspiring to become a global citizen, I pursued studies across four continents to cultivate a multifaceted understanding of the world. I earned a dual master’s degree in Global Studies in Austria and Poland, which included an enriching exchange programme in Ethiopia. For my undergraduate studies in the United States, I majored in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, with a minor in Leadership. Part of my secondary education was completed in the Republic of Korea.
What motivated you to work with UNDP?
I joined the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) at UNDP because its mission to champion human development and empower people to reach their full potential deeply resonated with my values. Having previously worked with UN Women, UNIDO, KOICA, and other agencies with shared goals, I knew I wanted to keep contributing to that global momentum. Now, being part of the UNDP family is not just a career move; it’s a dream come true.
What are the main activities you are working on? What is a day at the office like?
In my role as a Communications and Outreach Analyst on the Communications Team, no two days are the same—and I love that. From developing communications and outreach strategies to managing public relations, creating content, and coordinating events, I get to blend creativity with purpose. I’m also involved in HR and operational activities within the communications team, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and more effectively.
One of the most exciting projects I’ve led is centered around this year’s Human Development Report (HDR), titled “A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI.” I initiated efforts to leverage digital tools and AI to make the report findings more accessible and engaging, helping to tell the human story behind the data and show the faces of those who brought the report to life.
I’m also passionate about youth empowerment and have facilitated dialogues with young changemakers, amplifying their voices and providing mentoring. All these initiatives have been possible thanks to leadership that is open to hearing and encouraging new ideas, and that actively empowers team members to grow in their fields with passion and purpose, which I am truly grateful for.
Minji coordinates a visit by a student group from the Republic of Korea and provides career mentoring at the HDRO conference room.
Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does your work contribute to?
My work closely ties to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration with internal, external, and potential partners to foster synergy and shared impact. UNDP’s flagship publication, the HDR, draws upon and contributes to several key SDGs, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. These goals are foundational to the Human Development Index (HDI), a core measure in the report.
Then the Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting disparities in human development outcomes. The gender-related indices—such as the Gender Development Index (GDI), Gender Inequality Index (GII), and Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI), published by the Office—speak directly to SDG 5: Gender Equality. In addition, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) contributes to SDG 1: No Poverty by reflecting intersecting deprivations beyond income.
Furthermore, the Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI (PHDI) and the Human Climate Horizons (HCH) platform are closely linked to the SDGs focused on environmental sustainability. Overall, the work at HDRO contributes to all 17 SDGs, highlighting their interconnected nature and underscoring the importance of advancing human development holistically.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
Without question, the most rewarding part of this journey has been the people. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed. Everyone in my team, at the JPO Service Centre, and in the other teams I closely work with has offered unwavering support and care. Together, my colleagues and I have celebrated milestones and built friendships that will last a lifetime. These connections have given me a true sense of belonging and joy.
Receiving the Duty-related Travel and Training Allocation (DTTA) as a JPO greatly enhanced my learning and development. In my first year, I attended international events like the Young Leaders Symposium, where I was invited as a recognized young leader, expanding my knowledge and global network. In my second year, with my supervisor’s support, I used the remaining DTTA for a one-month assignment at the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore, which was both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
The HDRO team takes a group photo with Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, in the press briefing room at the UN Secretariat.
What advice would you give to someone considering the JPO Programme?
Go for it! The UNDP JPO Programme offers a wealth of enriching opportunities: from one-on-one support and the buddy programme to specialized workshops and detail assignments that truly elevate your experience.
The onboarding process and orientation sessions offered by the JPO Service Centre were incredibly helpful in helping me settle in, as was the support of the buddy I was paired with—a former JPO who has become a wonderful mentor, teammate, and friend.
Another highlight was the Purpose, Programmes, and Operations (PPO) Workshop in my second year, which brought together JPOs from around the world. This experience expanded my understanding of UNDP’s mission and operations, and more importantly, cultivated a sense of community and lasting friendships with fellow JPOs.
My life has a clear divide: before the JPO, and after. The JPO journey has expanded both my comfort zone and growth potential, becoming a life-changing experience far beyond just a career stepping stoneMinji Kwag
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