Eleni Zouvani: The Paralimnitissa who worked at the UN (Interview)

"I have set a long-term goal of working at the UN and many small short-term goals."

Eleni Zouvani is one of the examples of people who chased and conquered their dream. It started in Paralimni with the goal of the UN. And he did it. And today he has a lot to tell us. Like her new dreams which for Eleni never end.

Who is Eleni Zouvani?

Eleni Zouvani was born on October 28.10.94, 4 in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the age of XNUMX, her family moved to Paralimni, where she grew up. He studied at XenionHighSchool, and then studied law at Reading University.

In 2017 she successfully completed her master's degree in International Law, University of Edinburgh. He has since worked at the European Parliament in Brussels and at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Vienna.

She speaks Greek and English as her mother tongue, and in the summers of her teenage years, she invested in learning German in Germany. He is also fluent in French and Italian.

Let's find out about her experience!

1. It is the dream of many young people to be in Vienna and the UN. Tell us about the path to achieving this goal.

I dreamed of the UN from the moment I took part in my first "United Nations Model" at school, at the age of 16. For the first time I felt that I could be useful in achieving goals much bigger than me or any of us. I went to the official UN website, found all the information about the practice they offer in their various offices and / or departments around the world, in terms of what they are asking for, and I made a list. I set a long-term goal to work at the UN and many small short-term goals, such as finishing school well, studying law, doing a master's degree, gaining experience. Without saying much, during my master's degree, I was constantly monitoring the online application portal. I saw 2 internships that interested me in cities I wanted to live in, so I applied. I went through the written competition phase, I went through the interview phase, and then there was complete silence for months. I had decided that I did not pass until one good day, I was offered the opportunity I had been waiting for so long, in the damage recording department that the Palestinians suffered when the wall was built by the Israelis.

2. If you had to describe the UN experience in a few lines, what would you say?

"And if you find her poor, Ithaca didn't make you laugh.
So wise you became, with so much experience,
You will already understand what Ithaca means. "

3. What do you think is the most important resource you have acquired?

I've learned a little better how people work from all sides. I met interesting people from all over the world, proactively, actively, actively, who had very different life experiences from me, but somehow our "wants" were common. But at the same time, I saw the harsh reality of the issues that "burn" the world - and I don't mean that I saw shocking images of children starving or drowning. But, I saw inactivity from people who have the power to change the world. At the UN, my eyes really opened!

4. What advice would you give to a younger person who has exactly the same dream?

To chase opportunities because nothing will come ready to find us. To search, to mix, to challenge everything! And above all to listen. Pay attention to what he hears, because he never knows anything, no matter how much he thinks he knows. (Friendly advice, from a very headstrong man)!

5. What are your future plans?

Very good question! Although I thought I knew exactly what I wanted in my life, I still have a lot to learn. For the time being, I want to pass the Pancyprian Bar Association exams to finally become a registered lawyer, and I hope to work in the private sector for the next 5-10 years. In the long run, I will work hard to be "unique" in what I do. When I have more to offer, I may apply again to an organization with humanitarian work, but this time I hope to be suitable for a better position that will provide more incentives.

Because we like Famagusta.News;

Eleni likes Famagusta.News because she claimed a teenage dream until the end, and not only did she claim it, but with patience and perseverance she realized it after hard work and years of waiting!

Good luck with everything you do Eleni!

Famagusta.News