Read about Raluca Cruceru

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

I have always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Inspired by the UN’s work since childhood, I admired its civil servants and aspired to join them. With a passion for technology, I pursued a Computer Science degree and honed my skills at CERN in the world of science and particle physics. When an opportunity arose at UNEP, it was the perfect chance to contribute to global environmental efforts. I am honoured to be part of this mission, and I am excited every day to work on projects that drive real change worldwide.

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

My favourite technology project is the one I am currently working on: InforMEA, the UN’s Information Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Since August 2024, I have been overseeing its software development, collaborating with a brilliant team to enhance existing features and introduce new ones. InforMEA serves as a one-stop portal for MEA-related information, making environmental law more accessible by aggregating treaty texts, COP decisions, national plans, laws, and court rulings. This platform is indispensable in bridging the gap between MEAs, environmental topics, and public understanding.

From a technical perspective, it is an exciting challenge to work on such a complex, feature-rich system. I am particularly passionate about modernising the platform, optimising its performance, and implementing cutting-edge functionalities that will make it even more powerful and user-friendly. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the platform evolve and make a real impact in the field of environmental law and policy.

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

Be curious, confident, and persistent! Take on challenges—they build skills and open doors. Seek mentors and connect with other women in the field for support and inspiration. Diversity drives innovation, and your perspective matters. Stay resilient, keep learning, and never underestimate your impact.