Joyce Poan

Programme Specialist and Chief of Section – Education, UNESCO

With a background in political science and international relations, Joyce joined UNESCO in 2002 and has worked at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris as well as with one of its Field Offices.

In November 2021, Joyce joined the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office as Programme Specialist and Chief of Education. She currently manages UNESCO’s projects and activities to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all in Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Prior to New Delhi, Joyce was based at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and worked in the Bureau of Field Coordination before transferring to the Education Sector. At Headquarters, she focused on the Education Sector’s priorities including the Global Citizenship Education programme and thematic areas such as peace and human rights education; education for international understanding; nationalism; and prevention of violent extremism. Joyce also managed relations with UNESCO’s external partners and Field Offices, and its Education Institutes and Centers.

Joyce was also involved in UNESCO’s initiative on Education and Culture together to advance the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals); on the progress to achieve SDG Target 4.7 on Quality Education, and on the review of teachers’ motivations, skills and readiness to teach GCED and Education for Sustainable Development.

Joyce is an Indonesian citizen and worked in the Asia Society’s Texas Center (USA) before joining UNESCO.