Margareta Wahlström Interview

Margareta Wahlström, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction

Margareta Wahlström is currently the Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.  Prior to this she served as the Executive Secretary to the United Nations Secretary General’s Panel on the Safety and Security of UN Staff and Premises, and was also the Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the UN.  Early in her career, Ms. Wahlström worked for the Geneva-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies both as Deputy Director Operations and Under-Secretary-General for the Disaster Response and Operations Coordination.  Ms. Wahlström holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Stockholm.

Interview Introduction

Ky Luu's Interview Questions:

1.  You have had a very distinguished career, with over 30 years of experience in national and international disaster operations.  You are currently the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.  What keeps you going?  What keeps you motivated to stay engaged in this field?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

2. It’s interesting that you point out some of the frustrations that there are recurring in states like Darfur, to see that things are not perhaps getting better.  In your experiences here can you highlight a response that has been successful, one that perhaps students who want to take a look and closer examination can learn from these lessons?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

3.  During the tsunami, you were the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Coordination, correct?  I do remember, having worked for an NGO during that response, and the influx of individuals and organizations that wanted to help do as much as they can.  That must have been a great challenge, trying to coordinate all of the actors to make sure that resources were done efficiently.  How did you go about taking on that task?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

4.  You have held now senior leadership positions in the United Nations, the International Federation of the Red Cross.  How has the culture, the mandates of the various organizations influenced your leadership style?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

5.  Your current position right now, disaster risk reduction, and part of your duties is to work towards implementation of the Hyogo Framework.  What is the biggest challenge?  How do you get countries that may be reticent to take action, to provide investment?  What’s the message, what’s the strategy?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

6.  Who are your heroes, and why?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

7.  What more do you want to achieve?  What impact you want to make, moving forward?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response

8.  What advice would you offer young- to mid-level professionals in our career, in our field, that look up to you, and perhaps want to follow in your footsteps?  Hear Margareta Wahlström's response