Iliana Nadi Albino: Connecting Young People to Opportunities
Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs.
Spiffy here! I’m back with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Iliana Nadi Albino, deputy director for partnerships and innovation at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Let’s see what she is doing to make a positive impact in the world.
Spiffy: Welcome, Nadi. Let’s jump right in. Can you tell me what challenge UNICEF is addressing?
Nadi: Thanks for having me, Spiffy. We work with the youth and the private and public sectors to connect young people to opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Spiffy: What motivates you to do it?
Nadi: I'm passionate about creating opportunities!
Spiffy: That’s great! What would you say is the impact of your work?
Nadi: Giving young people the skills to create wealth and sustainable livelihoods.
Spiffy: Tell me about a recent organizational milestone or initiative. What impact does that make?
Nadi: Equipping the youth with skills and resources for the agribusiness value chain.
Spiffy: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?
Nadi: I believe that today’s youth are enterprising and great partners in solving the world’s challenges.
Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Nadi—it’s been an honor!
Iliana Nadi Albino, deputy director for partnerships and innovation at UNICEF, is a seasoned professional with over 26 years in the international development sector. She influenced policy and led multi-million dollar programs at national, regional, and global levels. She has an in-depth perspective on African and Asian development, with a strong track record on gender, inclusivity, and climate. She holds postgraduate qualifications in education. Her areas of expertise include gender development, policy, conflict resolution, leadership, and business. (First published on the Ladderworks website on October 19, 2023.)
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.
© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by Sujit Kunte. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.