Day 4/Session 8 - Navigating and supporting the careers of women in the UN system (ICAO, UNOPS, UN Secretariat)

Jun
19
Jun 19, 2025
19:30 - 20:30 CET
English

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This panel discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the United Nations system. Featuring insights from distinguished panellists, the session will address key issues such as gender bias, workplace dynamics, and the impact of sexual misconduct and discrimination on career development. The discussion will also highlight effective strategies for promoting gender equality, fostering an inclusive, dynamic and productive workplace, and supporting women's career advancement within the UN. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic and cultural barriers to women's progression and learn about actionable measures to create more equitable and fair work environments.
 

Hosted By:: 
ICAO, UNOPS, UN Secretariat

Christian F. Saunders

Under-Secretary-General

Christian F. Saunders, the Special Coordinator on improving the United Nations' response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse since September 2022, brings to the role over thirty five years of experience with NGOs and United Nations, in the humanitarian, peacekeeping and development sectors. Known for spearheading major transformative reforms and delivering results, he has served as the Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA and held key senior positions in the United Nations Department of Operational Support and Department of Management. Under-Secretary-General Saunders' career began with Save The Children Fund in the Sudan and then Mozambique and includes key positions with UNRWA in Gaza, UNHCR in Rwanda, UN Peacekeeping in Sarajevo, and UNFPA.

A graduate of the University of London, and the University of Wales, he is a seasoned and respected leader committed to building a better world based on the premise that "all Human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."
 

Tolulope Agiri

Deputy Director and Head of Human Resources

Tolulope Agiri (Tolu) is the Deputy Director and Head of Human Resources for The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

Tolu, an experienced HR executive with over three decades of HR consulting and practice experience across industries and nationalities, is known for her authentic and passionate approach to aligning Human Resources to Business.   She worked with KPMG Nigeria before joining Unilever in several HR roles across Nigeria, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. She left Unilever as HR Director, Nigeria, to join the United Nations World Food Programme as Regional Head of Human Resources for the Southern Africa Bureau with oversight for driving HR strategy and operations across Southern Africa countries. Prior to joining ICAO, Tolu also worked as the Group CHRO at Interswitch Group, a pioneer and leader in digital payments in Africa. 

Tolu graduated from the University of Lagos with an MS in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management and from the Obafemi Awolowo University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, where she has been involved in various roles and committees, including conference committees and the Strategic Planning committee. She is a thought leader and a sought-after conference speaker.

Tolu is happily married to Abayomi, and they are blessed with two young adult children, Ifeoluwapo and Oluwatimilehin.  She is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders and mentoring young women.
 

Obianuju Osude

Obianuju Osude is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner with a track record of driving change across humanitarian, development, and institutional sectors. Since joining UNOPS in 2024, she has led the DEI team, advancing inclusive approaches in workforce management. Previously, she worked with NGOs like Plan International and Catholic Relief Services, providing technical support across countries, developing gender-transformative frameworks, and supporting inclusive programming on youth employment and gender-based violence. Her work blends strategic leadership with a deep commitment to intersectional, evidence-based, and systemic DEI advocacy.

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