Sanaka Samarasinha holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked across 40 countries as a development professional, lawyer, journalist, and senior international civil servant.
Sanaka Samarasinha’s career includes leading the United Nations’ efforts in 11 countries, showcasing his expertise in strategic communication, public relations, mediation, sustainable development goals (SDGs), governance, human rights, crisis management, climate change, and media relations. He has managed multi-sector, multi-agency programs with annual budgets exceeding $250 million and overseen teams of over 2,000 personnel globally.
From 2018 to 2023, as the UN Resident Coordinator in the Pacific, he served as the senior-most UN official in Fiji, Vanuatu, Palau, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, and Micronesia. He directed the work of 31 UN agencies, orchestrated high-level political dialogues, ensured staff safety, and led responses to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure saw a 300% increase in resources channeled through the UN and the establishment of the Pacific Sustainable Development Fund.
Previously, from 2013 to 2018, Sanaka Samarasinha was the UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus, where he mobilized over $150 million for development and fostered dialogue on governance, health, human rights, and economic reform. His efforts led to creating a National Human Rights Action Plan and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Sanaka Samarasinha’s earlier roles include advisory and leadership positions in Iran, Maldives, Kosovo, Samoa, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. Fluent in English and Sinhala, with basic proficiency in French and Russian, he continues to leverage his extensive experience to drive sustainable development and foster global cooperation.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early, focusing on setting a positive tone. I begin with meditation and exercise, which helps me stay grounded and energized. My workday involves strategic planning, high-level meetings, and field visits. Staying organized is crucial, so I prioritize my tasks and delegate effectively. Regular team check-ins ensure everyone is aligned with our goals. By balancing strategic thinking and operational execution, I maximize productivity and ensure that our initiatives have a meaningful impact on sustainable development and global cooperation.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life involves a collaborative and inclusive approach. I start by engaging with diverse stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives. This helps refine the idea and align it with the needs and realities on the ground. I believe in evidence-based decision-making and rely on data and research to inform our strategies. Once the idea is solidified, I build a dedicated team and create a clear action plan with measurable milestones. Continuous feedback and adaptive management ensure that the project stays on track and evolves as needed to achieve its objectives.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the increasing global emphasis on sustainability and climate action. There is a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of our challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. This trend is driving innovation and collaboration across sectors to create holistic solutions. The momentum behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the shift towards greener economies are promising signs. It is encouraging to see businesses, governments, and communities embracing sustainable practices and technologies to build a more resilient and equitable future for all.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A habit that significantly boosts my productivity is meticulous planning. I outline my priorities and key tasks each evening for the next day. This habit ensures I start my day with a clear focus and purpose. I break down larger goals into manageable steps and allocate specific time blocks for each task. This structured approach helps me stay organized, avoid distractions, and progress steadily towards my objectives. Additionally, taking short breaks to refresh my mind energizes me and maintains my productivity throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to embrace failure as a crucial part of the learning process. Early in my career, I often feared making mistakes, sometimes holding me back from taking bold actions. Over the years, I have learned that failures provide valuable lessons and are essential for growth and innovation. I would also emphasize the importance of resilience and persistence. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they are opportunities to develop strength and adaptability. Trusting the journey and staying committed to your vision is key to achieving long-term success.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I firmly believe that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the potential to contribute significantly to society. This belief sometimes faces skepticism, especially when systemic barriers and inequities are deeply entrenched. However, I have witnessed firsthand how empowering marginalized communities and providing them with the right opportunities can unleash their potential and drive meaningful change. This conviction underpins my work in promoting inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind in pursuing sustainable development goals.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One practice I repeatedly do and highly recommend is engaging in regular reflection and self-assessment. Reflecting on your actions, decisions, and outcomes helps you gain valuable insights and learn continuously. This practice enables you to identify areas for improvement, celebrate successes, and stay aligned with your core values and goals. Whether through journaling, meditation, or quiet contemplation, reflection fosters personal growth and enhances your ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I step back and take a moment to breathe and recalibrate. I often practice mindfulness or take a short walk to clear my mind. This break helps me regain perspective and prioritize my tasks more effectively. I also find it helpful to break down my workload into smaller, manageable pieces and tackle them one at a time. This approach reduces my sense of being overwhelmed and allows me to progress steadily. Additionally, reaching out to colleagues for support and collaboration can provide fresh insights and alleviate the pressure.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One effective strategy that has significantly advanced my career is fostering strong, collaborative relationships. By building a network of trusted partners, mentors, and allies, I have leveraged diverse perspectives and expertise to drive impactful initiatives. Collaboration has enabled me to navigate complex challenges and implement innovative solutions effectively. Whether within the United Nations or with external stakeholders, these relationships have been instrumental in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing our collective impact on global issues.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One notable failure in my career was an initiative that faced significant resistance due to a lack of local stakeholder engagement. This taught me the importance of inclusive dialogue and building trust with the communities we aim to serve. I overcame this setback by revisiting our approach, engaging deeply with local leaders, and incorporating their insights into our plans. The lesson I took away is that sustainable development requires genuine partnerships and a bottom-up approach. We can create more effective and lasting solutions by prioritizing local ownership and participation.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I am passionate about is creating a platform that connects young entrepreneurs in developing countries with mentors and investors from around the world. This platform would provide resources, training, and funding opportunities to help young innovators bring their ideas to life. By fostering cross-border collaborations and knowledge exchange, we can empower the next generation of leaders to address local challenges with global support. This initiative could drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development in underserved regions.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that significantly enhances my productivity is Trello. I use Trello to organize and manage my projects, tasks, and deadlines. Its visual interface allows me to create boards for different initiatives, track progress with checklists, and collaborate with team members seamlessly. Trello’s flexibility in categorizing tasks and setting priorities helps me stay organized and focused. Keeping all project-related information in one place ensures efficient communication and coordination, ultimately boosting my productivity and the effectiveness of my teams.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This book has profoundly influenced my perspective on life and personal growth. Its central theme of pursuing one’s dreams and discovering one’s true purpose resonates deeply with me. The protagonist’s journey, Santiago, serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience, faith, and listening to one’s heart. The timeless wisdom and inspirational messages in “The Alchemist” have provided me with valuable insights and motivation throughout my career and personal life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series “Our Planet.” This documentary series, narrated by David Attenborough, showcases the breathtaking beauty of our natural world while highlighting the urgent need for environmental conservation. The stunning visuals and compelling storytelling make a powerful case for the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. “Our Planet” underscores the importance of protecting our ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations. It serves as a poignant reminder of our critical role in safeguarding the planet and inspires viewers to take action towards a more sustainable future.
Key learnings
- Embrace Authenticity and Collaboration: Building strong, genuine relationships and engaging with diverse stakeholders are essential for sustainable development and personal success.
- Prioritize Reflection and Continuous Improvement: Regular self-assessment and reflection help maintain focus, enhance productivity, and foster personal growth.
- Adopt a Holistic Approach to Challenges: Addressing complex issues requires integrating various personal and professional development aspects, from strategic planning to local engagement.
- Value Resilience and Learning from Failure: Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and persisting through challenges are crucial for long-term success and innovation.
- Empower Others through Knowledge and Resources: Sharing insights, mentoring, and providing access to opportunities can drive significant positive change and foster inclusive development.