Before stepping into a beige WFP vest and sturdy boots to confront hurricanes, conflicts, and refugee situations, the Portuguese scientist dedicated his time to analyzing satellite imagery and cartography, crafting maps to aid humanitarian efforts. However, he soon recognized that he desired a more hands-on role beyond the confines of a computer screen. In honor of World Humanitarian Day, observed each year on August 19, Mr. Matos recounted his journey to UN News.
Pedro Matos became part of the WFP response team in the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Idai in Mozambique in 2019.
Transforming crises into action
“At some point, I realized that my work was insufficient,” he reflected on his career in space engineering. “I wasn’t content creating maps for others to utilize in their humanitarian efforts; I wanted to take those maps and be directly involved in the response.” And that is precisely what he achieved. At the World Food Programme (WFP), he initially focused on map creation in the field, eventually taking on the role of coordinating emergency operations for the agency. Since then, Matos has traveled to numerous countries often at the forefront of crises, ranging from Cyclone Idai in Mozambique to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
‘Like orchestrating an entire government’
Managing an emergency response resembles “orchestrating an entire government,” with each United Nations agency acting as a “ministry.” The success of the response hinges on collective efforts across four critical areas: food, shelter, water, and health. Recently returning from a mission in Bangladesh, he shared insights into the response efforts at Cox’s Bazar, the largest refugee camp globally, housing 700,000 individuals who escaped violence in Myanmar. “We have been able to enhance the living conditions for individuals in this prolonged state of uncertainty,” he noted, recalling his earlier visit in 2018 when the crisis peaked. At that time, “a million people crossed the border within a month.” While they still exist in “limbo,” he highlighted advancements like more resilient homes, improved roadways, gas stoves, and reforestation initiatives.
Heart-wrenching obstacles and significant rewards
The role has presented both significant challenges and fulfilling rewards. “There have been instances of kidnappings and being fired upon, but it’s not our experiences that resonate the most with us,” he stated. “It’s the experiences of others that leave a lasting impact.” The response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, a Category 5 hurricane that struck Beira in 2019, stands out as one of his most intense yet rewarding experiences. “It was a blend of overwhelming difficulty and satisfaction because we couldn’t reach everyone, yet many lives—tens of thousands—were saved due to our presence,” he expressed. “That was the most significant response during my 17 years with the United Nations.” Reflecting on his time in Yemen, he remarked, “We faced bombardments 20 times daily” in the capital, Sana’a, adding that a “strange normalcy” developed in such conditions. “We found ourselves saying things like, ‘No, that wasn’t very far; it was only 500 meters from here,’” he shared. “It’s a perspective I never anticipated adopting before this work.”
When he arrived in central Ukraine weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022, he described the situation as “very intense.” Within a week, he and his team began providing financial assistance to individuals fleeing the conflict. “We couldn’t assist everyone, but many lives would have been lost without our help,” he remarked. “Hearing how recipients utilized the funds was deeply fulfilling.” He recalled one mother who used the money to buy her daughter ice cream for the first time since the war began, bringing joy to both of them.
Feeding millions daily
Mr. Matos emphasized that while many believe they understand the humanitarian sector, the reality during crises is far more extensive than anticipated. “I thought we’d be rehabilitating schools and feeding 100 people,” he explained. “I never envisioned feeding 13 million daily in Yemen. The scale is truly astounding.” He noted that humanitarian work is often perceived as a distinct vocation, while many professions, such as law, procurement, and human resources, are represented within the aid landscape. “My work parallels that of social workers or firefighters,” he clarified. “They perform similar tasks here daily, while I do so in other parts of the world. Our roles are fundamentally aligned.”
The significance of the Nobel Prize
WFP received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, an honor that Mr. Matos accepted with humility. “Much of our work goes unnoticed, despite providing assistance to 120 million people every day,” he said. “It has allowed us to spotlight crises in places like Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, and Gaza, which often fall off the radar.” He views his role as giving a voice to those who suffer when crises fade from public attention. Despite the numerous challenges and dangers he has faced throughout his career, Mr. Matos firmly believes in one vital lesson: “People are essentially good,” he stated. “In the face of impending tragedy, individuals inherently wish to help others, regardless of differences. This realization is comforting, especially when distanced from these crises.”
