Bonn, Germany: On 2 January 2013, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme welcomes incoming Executive Coordinator Mr. Richard Dictus, appointed by the UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark on 16 October 2012.  He succeeds the former UNV Executive Coordinator, Ms. Flavia Pansieri. Read

The Golden Book of the City of Bonn, Germany has been signed by world leaders and distinguished personalities throughout the years. The most recent honour was bestowed on the Executive Coordinator of UNV, Ms Flavia Pansieri. Ms Pansieri was invited to sign the prestigious book in recognition of her steadfast leadership in the growth and development of the United Nations in Bonn. Read

Bonn, Germany: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is partnering with the Asan Nanum Foundation (ANF) of the Republic of Korea to promote youth engagement in the achievement of human development goals.  

The UNV-ANF partnership was officially launched today at UNV headquarters in Bonn.  The ANF was represented at the launch by a delegation led by Dr CHUNG Chin Hong, Chairman of the ANF. Read

Bonn, Germany: International Women’s Day gives us the chance to recognize the invaluable contributions women make around the world, and mark the challenges we still have to meet to achieve gender equality.  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of women and young people to ensure their full participation in peace-building and development.

UNV cooperates with its partners to build the capacities of women and youth to ensure their full participation in their communities.  We will continue to do so.  The commitment of UNV to provide women with a greater say in their destiny is absolute. Read

Livingstone, Zambia: A human rights presentation by Livingstone high school students and organized in part by a UN Volunteer, impresses UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon during his first visit to Zambia and encourages him about the country's future. Read

Japan has a long tradition of strong support for the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and volunteering, in general.

Last week, UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri visited the earthquake and tsunami stricken town of Minami Sanriku cho and spoke at the opening of the 20th Japanese National Volunteer Festival Tokyo.  She offered her deepest sympathies to the people of Japan and expressed her great admiration for the millions who are engaged as volunteers throughout the country. Read

In marking World Migratory Bird Day 2011, 14-15 May, Flavia Pansieri, UNV Executive Coordinator, notes the critical role volunteers play participating and engaging others in the environmental movement. Read

Kinshasa, DRC: It was a somber day in Kinshasa last Sunday as UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri joined the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and Senior Management for the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in a special tribute to the three UN Volunteers who lost their lives in the crash of UN Flight 834 last Monday 4 April. Read

Bonn, Germany: This year, International Volunteer Day (IVD) comes at a vibrant time. 'Share the Story' is the theme of UNV's IVD campaign. UNV is using social media to engage in a global online conversation focused on how volunteering contributes to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

People the world over joined UNV on Facebook yesterday (4 December) for a 24-hour online film festival to celebrate the worldwide impact of volunteerism. The festival showed volunteers in action, featured volunteer stories and hosted discussions on how volunteerism contributes to ending poverty. Read

Bonn, Germany: Today we are starting a global discussion to Share the Story about volunteering to meet the MDGs.  We can meet the Goals, but only if we complement essential government action with the engagement of millions of people through volunteer action.  Our discussion will culminate in a 24-hour, online film festival that will showcase video stories received from volunteers, communities, civil society, non-governmental organizations and United Nations partners. Read