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.
Born in Japan to a traditional family, with his father working as a company employee and his mother as a homemaker, Kato’s early life seemed destined for a conventional path. However, the end of the Cold War and significant international events during his youth triggered a transformative change in his ambitions.
Reflecting on his high school years, Kato cites the end of the Cold War and the UN Security Council’s resolution addressing Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait as pivotal moments that inspired him to pursue a career in international affairs, diverging from the business and finance trajectories favored by many of his peers.
Driven by a commitment to global peace and human rights, Kato studied international law and peace studies at university. His initial desire to become a journalist evolved as he recognized his passion for actively implementing solutions rather than merely reporting on issues. This realization led him to the United Nations, where he began his career with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia, working to address the repercussions of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Kato’s tenure included roles with UNFPA in Bangladesh and the Philippines, filled with both impactful experiences and substantial challenges. For example, during the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh in 2017, Kato spearheaded UNFPA’s response efforts, which included deploying midwives and launching “Women Friendly Spaces,” a first for the country. He remarked that the expressions of gratitude from the women he helped were tremendously motivating and underscored the significance of their support.
More recently, Kato encountered a unique challenge upon arriving in Vanuatu just before Cyclones Judy and Kevin struck the region. Stranded by the storms, he took the opportunity to assess the needs of affected communities and established Women and Girls Friendly Spaces on Tanna Island, ensuring that women and girls had access to essential support during the crisis.
Now in his role with UNFPA Pacific, Kato is dedicated to addressing the high rates of teenage pregnancy and enhancing reproductive health services across the region. His emphasis on youth empowerment and education is reflected in UNFPA’s Family Life Education programs, designed to provide young people with critical skills for healthier and more equitable futures.
Kato’s guiding principles center around empathy and understanding. He explains, “I always put myself in the beneficiaries’ shoes. What would they prefer? This perspective often clarifies the best course of action.”
With an eye on the future, Kato is resolute about eliminating maternal deaths in the Pacific, asserting, “No woman should die giving life.” His endeavors focus on improving maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response, with the goal of achieving zero maternal mortality.
To aspiring young professionals interested in international development and humanitarian work, Kato advises that engagement in these fields is not limited to becoming a UN official. He believes that various roles, from diplomats to journalists, can contribute to these causes, emphasizing the importance of making a difference wherever one may be.
Iori Kato’s evolution from a young soccer player in Japan to a prominent UN official in the Pacific illustrates his lifelong dedication to service and creating positive change. His story exemplifies the impact of following one’s passions and striving to make a meaningful difference on a global scale.