10 Questions: Leon Shestani

What was your last assignment with UNICEF?

Project Officer - Youth Development with focus on Juvenile Justice, UNICEF Albania.

How old do you feel?

When it comes to eagerness to learn new stuff, I feel in my 30s.

Where do you live?

Pennsylvania, USA.

What book do you currently read?

A Whole New Mind - Daniel H. Pink

If you could travel without restrictions, where would you go?

So many places. Italy, first. My parents, brother and sister, live in Emilia Romagna. Of course, I will not fail to 'jump' back to my home country, Albania, which I miss very much.

Your best experience with UNICEF?

Influencing change with regard to treatment of juveniles in conflict with the law. UNICEF mobilised resources and demonstrated viable solutions/measures/programs that work in alternatives to detention for juveniles in conflict with the law.

Your biggest challenge when working for UNICEF?

Working and engaging with the government was essential. That sometimes made us seem 'soft' in our positions on child rights violations.

What is your biggest fear, in relation to the future of children?

Changes in socialisation of children. Living out of reality. Fear of uncertainty.

What is your greatest hope, in relation to children?

That we can ensure good socialisation, address cyber bullying related issues, better manage the exposure to information. I hope we can reverse the trend of children living in a 'virtual'reality'.

What is your one piece of advice you wish to give to the UNICEF Executive Director:

Create an agile workforce that promotes innovation.

Leon Shestani can be contacted via lshestani@gmail.com

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