黑料专区

Hyunjee Sung, who goes by Claire, joined the UN Technology Bank in November 2025 as a Programme Management Specialist in the Programme Unit. In this role, she supports UNTB鈥檚 flagship Technology Needs Assessments, helping translate country-specific findings into well-designed, impactful projects that strengthen science, technology, and innovation (STI) capacities in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Claire鈥檚 work focuses on identifying technologies that are not only innovative, but also appropriate to the needs, contexts, and environments of each LDC. Drawing on her technical background, private sector experience, and networks across the Asia-Pacific region, she contributes to shaping partnerships and project pipelines that bridge policy, technology, and real-world implementation.

She brings a strong cross-sectoral perspective shaped by experience in the private sector, public institutions, and the UN system. Prior to joining UNTB, Claire worked as a Research Associate at the Korea Development Institute (KDI), where she coordinated policy consultation projects under the Knowledge Sharing Program and conducted research on digital development, AI governance, and emerging technology policy. Earlier in her career, she spent five years at Korea Telecom (KT SAT), leading satellite-based connectivity and digital infrastructure projects in remote and underserved regions worldwide. She began her UN journey as an intern with the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, supporting private sector engagement and digital transformation initiatives.

Claire holds an MSc in Innovation and Technology Management from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a BA in Political Science and Economics from Sogang University. Her professional interests center on how developing countries can strategically expand their STI capabilities and integrate into rapid global technological change in ways that advance inclusive and sustainable development.

What motivates her work is the tangible impact of technology on people鈥檚 lives. Early in her career, she witnessed how satellite connectivity opened new possibilities for communities previously cut off from digital access鈥攁n experience that continues to shape her belief in science and technology as powerful enablers of long-term development.

Originally from Seoul, Republic of Korea, Claire speaks Korean and English, with working knowledge of Japanese and French, and is currently learning Turkish. Outside of work, she has a long-standing connection to the stage鈥攁nything involving a microphone seems to find her鈥攁nd is the proud owner of an 18-year-old Turkish Angora cat. She is particularly excited to be living in Istanbul for the first time and to deepen her engagement with LDCs through her work at UNTB.