Jianqun Wang

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

I joined the UN in 2003 as an information system officer. Before that, I was a senior software engineer at Oracle Corporation. I was glad that I finally had the opportunity to join the UN and use my experience and knowledge in IT to make contributions to promote the peace, security, and development of the world.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

My favorite IT project at the UN was the iCSO system at https://esango.un.org/civilsociety. The integrated Civil Society Organizations (iCSO) System, developed by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), facilitates interactions between civil society organizations and DESA. The system provides online registration of general profiles for civil society organizations, including address, contacts, activities, and meeting participation, facilitates the application procedure for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and assists accredited NGOs in submitting quadrennial reports and in designating representatives to the United Nations. I designed the database and oversight the development of the project, conducted the user acceptance test, and deployed the project to production. After that, I managed and maintained the project for several years.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

If you have a passion for technology, go for it. Don't let the stereotype that women are not good at technology to bother you. Always keep your dreams alive and chase them. Women can excel in any area; IT is no exception.