Iori Kato’s journey to becoming the director and representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Pacific island countries is both remarkable and inspirational.
Hailing from Japan, Kato grew up in a typical family, with his father working as a company employee and his mother at home. However, the end of the Cold War and significant international events during his youth changed the course of his aspirations.
“My high school years coincided with the end of the Cold War and the UN Security Council’s resolution against Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait,” Kato reflects. “These occurrences ignited my ambition for a career in international affairs, steering me away from the conventional paths of business and finance taken by many of my peers.”
Driven by a passion for global peace and human rights, Kato chose to study international law and peace studies in university. His initial goal of becoming a journalist transformed when he realized he wanted to be actively involved in creating solutions rather than merely reporting on them. This shift led him to the United Nations, where he began his career with UNDP in Cambodia, working to address the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge era.
Kato’s professional journey took him from UNDP in Cambodia to UNFPA roles in Bangladesh and the Philippines, filled with impactful experiences and challenges. In 2017, during the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, he led UNFPA’s efforts by deploying midwives and establishing the country’s first “Women Friendly Spaces.”
“The faces of those women and their gratitude kept me motivated,” he shares. “It was an emotionally charged experience witnessing how our support positively impacted their lives.”
Recently, Kato faced a new challenge when he arrived in Vanuatu just before Cyclones Judy and Kevin struck. Stranded by the storms, he seized the opportunity to assess the needs of affected communities and launched Women and Girls Friendly Spaces on Tanna Island, ensuring essential support for women and girls amidst the devastation.
In his current role with UNFPA Pacific, Kato is dedicated to tackling high rates of teenage pregnancy and improving reproductive health services throughout the region. His commitment to youth empowerment and education is highlighted by UNFPA’s support for Family Life Education programs, which equip young people with necessary skills for a healthier and fairer future.
When discussing his guiding principles, Kato stresses the importance of empathy and understanding. “I always envision myself in the beneficiaries’ position,” he states. “What would they prefer? This perspective often helps clarify the best course of action.”
Kato’s vision for the future is to eliminate maternal deaths in the Pacific. “No woman should die giving life,” he asserts. He is working towards enhancing maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response to achieve a zero maternal mortality rate.
For young individuals who aspire to work in international development and humanitarian fields, Kato provides valuable advice: “Engagement in development and humanitarian work isn’t just about becoming a UN official. Various roles, from diplomats to journalists, contribute to these causes. It’s about making a difference wherever you are.”
Iori Kato’s transformation from a young soccer player in Japan to a prominent UN official in the Pacific exemplifies a life dedicated to service and positive change. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s passions to make a meaningful impact globally.