Sunita Grote
Sunita Grote
Explain what you do in 7 words
Keep the lights on and our eyes on the prize
Where you’re from and where you are now?
I am a mixie from India and Germany, with many places I consider home. Currently mentally and happily in NYC.
What you were doing before joining UNICEF?
Just before joining UNUCEF I started exploring how innovative financing and new partnerships could better support achieving social outcomes. I became interested in this after working in the HIV and health response for 10 years, working closely with community groups who were pushing boundaries on really tough topics around human rights.
What has been your biggest success in your role at UNICEF?
Seeing how a big organisation like UNICEF is using the newest technologies to do things better for children. Our cryptofund is one of those big successes - we are the first (and so far only organisation to invest the way we do in crypto!). Using AI and data science to be the first to predict the spread of new pandemics is another. Seeing how blockchain can give access to cash to those who don't usually get it. And seeing tech companies, donors and the UN call for open sourcing technologies to make them more accessible.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
Astronaut (would never have happened - I'm claustrophobic!)
What is your hidden skill / talent?
I was a certified lifeguard in a previous decade