Iori Kato’s journey to becoming the director and representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Pacific island countries is both extraordinary and inspiring.
Kato was born in Japan, raised in a family with a typical corporate father and a homemaker mother, leading a life that initially seemed conventional. However, the end of the Cold War and notable international events during his youth triggered a significant change in his aspirations.
Reflecting on his high school years, Kato notes, “The end of the Cold War and the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution against Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait made me dream of a career in international affairs, moving away from the business and finance paths many of my peers chose.”
Driven by a commitment to global peace and human rights, Kato studied international law and peace studies in university. His ambition to become a journalist evolved as he realized his desire for direct involvement in enacting solutions rather than just reporting on them. This realization led him to the United Nations, where he began with the UNDP in Cambodia, working to address the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge era.
Kato’s career progressed from UNDP in Cambodia to UNFPA positions in Bangladesh and the Philippines, marked by significant impacts and challenges. In 2017, during the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, he spearheaded UNFPA’s response by deploying midwives and establishing “Women Friendly Spaces” for the first time in the country. “The faces of those women and their gratitude kept me going,” he shares. “It was a powerful and emotional experience to witness how our support changed their lives.”
More recently, Kato faced a unique challenge when he arrived in Vanuatu just before Cyclones Judy and Kevin hit. Stranded by the storms, he took the opportunity to evaluate the needs of impacted communities and launched Women and Girls Friendly Spaces on Tanna Island, ensuring crucial support for women and girls amid the devastation.
As the current leader with UNFPA Pacific, Kato is committed to tackling high rates of teenage pregnancy and enhancing reproductive health services across the Pacific. His dedication to empowering youth through education is evident in UNFPA’s backing of Family Life Education programs, which provide young individuals with necessary skills for a healthier, more equitable future.
When discussing his guiding principles, Kato underscores the importance of empathy and understanding. “I always put myself in the beneficiaries’ shoes,” he states. “Considering their preferences 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 die giving life,” he declares, focusing on improving maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response to achieve a zero maternal mortality target.
For young professionals aspiring to enter international development and humanitarian fields, Kato shares valuable advice, saying, “Engagement in development and humanitarian work isn’t limited to becoming a UN official. Many roles support these causes, from diplomats to journalists. It’s about effecting change wherever you are.”
Iori Kato’s transformation from a young soccer player in Japan to a prominent UN official in the Pacific is a reflection of a life devoted to service and significant change. His story illustrates the power of following one’s passions and making a substantial impact on a global scale.