Iori Kato’s journey to becoming the director and representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Pacific island nations is both remarkable and inspiring.
Kato was born in Japan, raised in a typical family where his father worked in a company and his mother was a homemaker. Initially, his life appeared to be following a conventional path. However, significant global events during his youth, particularly the conclusion of the Cold War, reshaped his ambitions.
“My high school years coincided with the end of the Cold War and the passing of a UN Security Council resolution against Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait,” Kato reflects. “Those events ignited my dream to pursue a career in international affairs, steering me away from the business and finance routes taken by many of my contemporaries.”
Driven by a passion for global peace and human rights, Kato studied international law and peace studies in university. He initially aspired to be a journalist, but he soon recognized his desire to be directly involved in creating solutions rather than merely reporting them. This revelation led him to join the United Nations, starting with UNDP in Cambodia, where he contributed to addressing the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Kato’s career path then extended to various roles within UNFPA, including positions in Bangladesh and the Philippines, where he has faced both impactful moments and challenges. In 2017, amidst the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, he spearheaded UNFPA’s response, which included deploying midwives and establishing “Women Friendly Spaces” for the first time in the country. “The appreciation reflected in the eyes of those women fueled my determination,” he shares. “It was profoundly moving to witness how our assistance transformed their lives.”
More recently, Kato encountered another challenge upon arriving in Vanuatu just before Cyclones Judy and Kevin hit the islands. Stranded by the storms, he seized the opportunity to evaluate the needs of affected communities and launched Women and Girls Friendly Spaces on Tanna Island, ensuring that vital support reached women and girls during the crisis.
In his current role with UNFPA Pacific, Kato is dedicated to tackling high rates of teenage pregnancies and enhancing reproductive health services throughout the Pacific. His commitment to youth empowerment and education is reflected in the UNFPA’s backing of Family Life Education programs, which aim to equip youth with essential skills for a healthier and more equitable future.
When discussing his guiding principles, Kato emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. “I always consider the beneficiaries’ viewpoints,” he explains. “What would they choose? This mindset often clarifies the best course of action.”
Looking ahead, Kato is resolute in his goal to eliminate maternal deaths in the Pacific. “No woman should perish while giving life,” he asserts. His work focuses on improving maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response systems to achieve a target of zero maternal mortality.
For young individuals aspiring to enter the international development and humanitarian sectors, Kato shares wise advice. “Engagement in development and humanitarian efforts goes beyond becoming a UN official. Numerous roles—from diplomats to journalists—play a part in these causes. It’s about making a positive difference wherever you are.”
Iori Kato’s transition from a young soccer enthusiast in Japan to a leading UN official in the Pacific exemplifies a commitment to service and positive change. His story highlights the significance of pursuing one’s passions and effecting a meaningful impact on a global platform.