UNMISS – United Nations Volunteer Profile
Name: Gulnura Toleeva
Hometown/Country: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Biography: I am a Kyrgyz lawyer with 19 years of experience, ranging from the prosecutor’s office to international Rule of Law reform. My journey has taken me from Bishkek courtrooms to United Nations field missions. Along the way, I have worked with prosecutors, judges, development and human rights institutions to make justice systems more accessible, and people centered. Beyond titles, I see myself as a lifelong learner who believes law must serve human dignity.
One interesting fact about your home country that people may not know: Kyrgyzstan is known as the “Switzerland of Central Asia” for its towering mountains. It is home to Zhenish (Victory-Pobeda) Peak (7,439m) and Khan Tengri (7,010m), among the highest mountains in Eurasia, yet it also has Issyk-Kul Lake, a vast alpine lake that never freezes, even in winter. The elusive snow leopard, our national symbol, also roams these peaks, embodying the resilience and beauty of the country.
A word or phrase that best describes you: “Learning is my lifestyle”.
Job: United Nations Volunteer Rule of Law Officer, based in Juba with frequent visits to field locations.
What are you most proud of regarding your work with UNMISS? I am proud to support mobile courts and strengthen the justice chain in some of South Sudan’s most challenging environments. Contributing to institutional strengthening and helping communities access justice where it matters most is both humbling and motivating.
What are the biggest challenges for a United Nations Volunteer in South Sudan? Working in fragile contexts means facing logistical hurdles, security constraints, and limited resources. For UN Volunteers, adapting rapidly and balancing professional expertise with resilience and cultural sensitivity is the biggest challenge, but also what makes the service so impactful.
If there is one person you would like to meet from the history books, who would that be? Mahatma Gandhi for his philosophy of non-violence and belief in justice through peaceful resistance. His approach to social transformation demonstrates that lasting change must be rooted in human dignity and moral courage, principles that continue to guide my commitment to strengthening the Rule of Law in fragile contexts.
What makes you laugh out loud? The little joys of daily life: children’s candid remarks, light-hearted moments with colleagues in the field, and sharing stories from home.
How do you want to be seen by others? As a principled, collaborative professional who combines legal expertise with empathy and who is committed to building people-centered and future-ready systems.
If you could go back five years – what advice would you give your younger self? Trust your instincts and don’t overthink, just go for it. Say yes to new opportunities, even when it feels intimidating because they often turn out to be the most rewarding. Every challenge carries a lesson, and peacekeeping and fieldwork, though daunting at first, are transformative experiences that will shape both your career and your resilience.
Any other facts or information you want to share about yourself? Beyond work, I am an aunt to five wonderful children and love spending time with them. I enjoy skiing, staying active, and exploring ways to live a healthy lifestyle. Lifelong learning is part of who I am, whether through books, travel, or new ideas. I am also curious about how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can help transform justice systems and strengthen Rule of Law.
