Mark Bowden has over 40 years of experience, leading UN’s humanitarian response in some of the world’s most complex and protracted crises, such as Afghanistan and Somalia. He also held various leadership positions in the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) and Save the Children, both in headquarters and country offices. Bowden has also had a career with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

In this episode, Mark Bowden discusses the nitty gritty of UN’s “integration” concept, where UN’s development, political, human rights, humanitarian and sometimes peacekeeping arms come together. He reflects on his time in Afghanistan and Somalia, both countries integrated missions and how he navigated the different roles while delivering on the humanitarian mandate.  

Disclaimer: The opinions and memories expressed in the “I Was There” podcast series are those of each individual speaker and do not imply the expression of any opinion or responsibility on the part of UN OCHA.