Leveraging data insights for global action: A spotlight interview with Lucianna Floriano Goncalves

Data plays a crucial role in UN 2.0, fostering global governance and sustainable development through informed decision-making based on evidence.

Lucianna Goncalves is an Assistant Data Analyst at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), where she works within the Innovation and Analytics Hub to transform diverse data into actionable insights through advanced collection, management, visualization, and analysis, strengthening human rights monitoring worldwide.

In this spotlight interview with Lucianna discusses her learning experience at UNSSC.

Maria Fernanda: Thanks a lot for being with us here, Lucianna. The first question is, why was it important for you to pursue the UN Data Analytics Professional Certificate? What did you hope to gain from this learning journey with us?  
 
Lucianna: Thank you for the invite. I saw an opportunity to strengthen my technical foundation. As a member of the new Innovation and Analytics Hub at Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this knowledge is essential to effectively support the organization and contribute to data-driven decision-making. The hub was created to help OHCHR leverage innovation and analytics to better detect risks, monitor human right situations and provide timely evidence for action. With this in mind, for me this training was important not only to learn how to apply techniques or increase the quality of the visuals, but also to understand how data analytics can be used in practice to identify trends, communicate complex information more effectively, and support early warning and advocacy efforts.  

 
Maria Fernanda: Looking back on the course, what part of the learning journey stood out to you most? How did those moments change the way that you approach data? 
 
Lucianna:  I realized I didn’t know as much about data visualization as I thought. Although I’ve worked with data for many years, going through the self-paced materials and listening to the instructors, made me see things differently. I learned that we don’t need fancy visuals to communicate a message effectively. That insight was really important to me, because I used to believe that capturing the audience’s attention with ‘out-of-the-box’, original charts, was an important priority in data visualizations. However, what truly matters is delivering the message clearly, and that was a valuable shift in perspective. 

Another thing that really stood out was how the course was structured. It had a good balance of theory and practice, and the interactive elements pushed me to go beyond just learning the concepts and actually test different approaches. Instead of being a passive listener, I had to actively think about the subject and try things out. Since that experience, I’ve become more engaged and creative in how I design dashboards. 

 
Before taking the course, I was mostly focused on standardizing everything, trying one approach and considering it the best for all situations. But after completing the programme, I’ve come to understand that while standardization is important, it’s equally essential to be flexible and adapt visualizations based on the type of data, the target audience, and their level of knowledge and interest.  
 

Maria Fernanda: Could you share one or two key takeaways from your work on the case study focused on data visualization and storytelling? Over the past three months, you've gone through several important steps—from submitting your proposal, participating in mentoring sessions, to completing the final report. Looking back, how would you describe this journey and your experience working on the case study? 

Lucianna: One of the biggest takeaways for me was the principle that in data visualization, less is more. Simplifying visualizations often makes the insights more impactful and easier to understand. Through the course, I also learned several design best practices that help elevate the effectiveness of a dashboard. For example, using white space intentionally can guide the viewer’s attention and improve readability. I discovered that choosing the right chart type is crucial. Another important tip was to avoid unnecessary decimals, as they can clutter the visual and distract from the main message. These small adjustments may seem minor, but they collectively make a significant difference in how data is perceived. I also gained a deeper appreciation for selecting colour palettes that support accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that everyone can engage with the content meaningfully. 

Maria Fernanda: Since completing the Programme, have you applied these skills in your daily work or within your team? 
 
Lucianna: Yes. I’m constantly applying them. Sometimes I come back and refer to the material because it's very extensive. It's so rich in content and is very well done.  
So, this is why the programme  was amazing. I'm still using it today, and I'm sure I'll forever be using the knowledge that I learned especially here in the Hub, where we receive many requests about data analysis and visualizations.  
 
One example of how I applied what I learned was when I had to develop a dashboard to track elections related risks. Each country experienced different challenges with the data. So, I had to apply techniques to clean and address data inconsistencies and gaps, and then, explore different charts that would help to visualize the data more clearly. As the instructors said, It’s not a one size fits all approach. At the end, it was not just about building charts. It was about helping to   better understand the situation on the ground, and therefore make better decisions for the ones in need.  
 
Therefore, I had to apply all the knowledge I was taught by the instructors to simplify, and to ensure the audience is getting the data they need to make decisions. “Is this relevant for them? Is this clear and useful for the audience?”  the UN DAPC helped me to reflect on these elements before designing a dashboard. 

 
Maria Fernanda: Thank you, Luciana. If someone is considering joining this course, what would you tell them based on your experience. 

 
Lucianna: I'd say, go for it! 

The Programme is very technical and designed for the UN environment. 

You don't just learn tools. You learn how to turn the data into something that matters. You talk about different subjects related to data. You get the chance to engage with experts, connect with peers who are equally eager to learn, and grow together. That’s what learning is about: continuous improvement. It’s an investment that pays off in confidence, competence, and real impact. 
 

Maria Fernanda: Thanks a lot, Lucianna. Any other considerations that you want to share in terms of the course, structure and methodology, any other insight that you think is useful considering that it’s also a six-months journey. 

Lucianna: I think six months is a great duration, as it gives enough time to really analyse and absorb all the material. I truly appreciated the structure of the course. It combines videos, texts, and reflective questions at the end of each module, which really helped me engage deeply with the content and reflect on each topic. 

I also enjoyed working on the case study, especially because the dataset was quite challenging. That’s exactly what we need, something complex and realistic. We're here to learn, and tackling real-world challenges is an essential part of that. 

For future participants: if you're genuinely interested in staying current with the rapid changes happening around us, this Certificate is an excellent opportunity. It helps you stay up to date with new technologies and gives you direct access to experts and the UNSSC Data and Evaluation Team. They were incredibly warm, responsive, and supportive throughout the process. Overall, it was a very rewarding experience.