Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce

Who are we?

UNFPA’s workforce is made up of individuals representing 168 countries and territories. A diversity of perspectives, experiences and opinions is essential in advancing our efforts to foster a more hospitable world for women and girls.

Our nationalities

Darker colors indicate higher representation. Source: Human Resources analytics reported as of December 2024. Includes all personnel types with the exception of staff members who are on secondment or loan, those on special conditions (such as special leaves without pay on a lien post) and consultants.

The designations employed and the presentation of material on the map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNFPA concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Due to coding limitations the wording across the indicators is standard, both in the global page and the individual country pages. The wording is applied homogeneously to all reporting offices and is by no means an endorsement or statement of recognition of sovereignty. A dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties. A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Women
Men

4%

personnel* who self-identify as a person with a disability (visible or invisible)

45

average age of personnel**

50%

of leadership positions are held by women (P5 & above)**

5%

personnel* who self-identify as a LGBTQIA+ individual

8%

personnel* who are Indigenous or Native Peoples

Source: *Self-reported survey data (52% personnel response rate) as of October 2023. Includes all personnel types.

**Human Resources analytics reported as of December 2024. Includes all personnel types with the exception of staff members who are on secondment or loan, those on special conditions (such as special leaves without pay on a lien post) and consultants.

In line with our founding document, the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, we recognize the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We take an intersectional approach to diversity, encourage personnel to express their full identities and promote an environment in which they can share their stories safely. 

At UNFPA, any form of harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination is prohibited, as outlined in our Prohibition of Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Abuse of Authority and Discrimination policy, as well as in the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations and in the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. 

UNFPA established the Integrity Group to strengthen our “speak up” culture through various initiatives, including improving the prevention and early resolution of workplace conflicts. The Integrity Group comprises the Coordinator for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment, the Division for Human Resources, the Legal Unit, the Office of Audit and Investigation Services, the Ethics Office and the Office of the Ombudsman. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) aligns with our mandate, which is grounded in equality and human rights. Our programmes are part of the global fight against racism and all forms of discrimination, marginalization and injustice. We believe that building an equitable and inclusive UNFPA, where every voice is heard and power is shared, starts with each of us. 

We welcome personnel from all walks of life, regardless of ethnicity, religion, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, mental health status and any other dimension. Strengthening inclusive practices in our everyday work, especially in addressing existing biases regarding ethnicity, disability and educational background, is an ongoing imperative. We are continuously working to bring out the best in our human resources at UNFPA.

Updated 24 July 2025

Disability inclusion at UNFPA: We matter. We belong. We decide.
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Project Page
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UNFPA recruits young professionals from Africa and of African descent
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Project Page
40609
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