03 May 2001

Bonn, Germany: UNV Executive Coordinator Sharon Capeling-Alakija traveled today to Rio de Janeiro where she will address a conference of the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) on the role of UN Volunteers in urban development. Ms. Capeling-Alakija will on 4 May address a session on "Partnerships between Local Governments and Community Actors", with particular emphasis on volunteer action this year, the International Year of Volunteers, 2001.

Many UN Volunteers work in cities and towns across the developing world -- especially in shantytowns and inner cities:

In Bulgaria, UN Volunteers with urban planning and architectural expertise have dedicated themselves to revitalizing old cities. By restoring buildings, streets, and parks. In several Caribbean island states, UNV specialists are working in urban settings to prevent drug abuse and treat addicts.

UNVs work with street children in cities around the world. In Viet Nam's Ho Chi Minh city, which has an estimated 10,000 street children, UN Volunteers together with the city's child welfare foundation set up "street vision," an educational program which gives children the chance to study drama, circus activities, and photography, as well as to exhibit their work.

UNV has also joined the United Nations Children's Fund in launching the Child Friendly Cities initiative in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to meet the needs of the most vulnerable urban children.