A native of Iceland, Helen Olafsdottir is a Policy Advisor on Rule of Law, Justice, Security and Human Rights in the United Nations Development Program in New York. Her background has always been focused on people and policy. She has been a political advisor, peace negotiator and crises prevention advisor in Sir Lanka, Africa, and the Middle East. She continues with the UN to make a real difference in the prevention of violent conflicts. Her thoughts on empathy seem more important today than ever.