Independent (Sébastien Fahrni)

I am a Programme Specialist with the United Nations Joint SDG Fund in New York, driven by a commitment to accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda through innovation, collaboration, and systemic change. With over a decade of international experience across public institutions, multilateral organizations, private sector companies, and NGOs, I specialize in designing and managing impactful programmes that bridge policy and practice. My work spans diverse geographies—from West and East Africa to Southeast Europe, Central Europe, and North America—shaping my deep appreciation for cultural diversity and my ability to thrive in dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments. I bring a strong track record in project and programme management, UN inter-agency coordination, strategic partnerships, digital transformation, data analysis, and change management. I have supported complex reforms, facilitated inclusive dialogue, and mobilized resources to strengthen national systems and foster sustainable development. Rooted in systems thinking and guided by values of integrity, equity, and innovation, my mission is to contribute to building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready societies. I believe that sustainable development must be locally led, digitally enabled, and globally supported—and that lasting impact comes from empowering people and institutions to drive their own change. My vision is of a world where global cooperation and local leadership work hand in hand to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges—where development financing is smarter, institutions are more agile, and no one is left behind. As the international landscape evolves, I am committed to supporting transformative solutions that are data-informed, people-centered, and scalable. I hold a Master’s degree in Management and a Bachelor’s in Economics, am PRINCE2 certified, and am fluent in both French and English. A Swiss national, I am known for being a proactive team player, an empathetic communicator, and a continuous learner who embraces innovation and complexity. Whether contributing to UN reform, advancing SDG financing, or strengthening inter-agency platforms, I bring a collaborative mindset and a results-driven approach to every initiative. I welcome opportunities to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, and build partnerships that move us closer to a more sustainable and just future.