04 November 2008
Tokyo, Japan: Mr. Takehito Nakata, UNV Honorary Ambassador (retired) will this week receive the 'Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette', one of the highest decorations bestowed by the Japanese Government. Read
More about: Civil society
Countries: Japan
24 October 2008
Today, United Nations Day and World Development Information Day, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme are pleased to launch a joint publication, Volunteering and Social Activism: Pathways for participation in human development. The paper is based on a study undertaken by the three organisations in 2007-2008. The background study finds that both volunteering and social activism are important strategies for fostering people’s participation in social change and human development. ReadOther languages: en español en français
24 October 2008
New York, USA: A UN General Assembly committee has adopted a new UN resolution that calls on governments to mobilize support for volunteerism research and asks the UN system to integrate volunteerism into its programmes. Read
More about: Civil society
15 August 2008
Nairobi, Kenya: Neighbourhood volunteers supported by UNV and the UN's Peacebuilding Fund are fostering coexistence after the ethnic violence that gripped Kenya earlier this year. Sixth months on from the peace agreement, a 'Peace Day' was held to recognize their achievements. Read
Countries: Kenya
21 June 2008
Glasgow, UK: The Civicus 2008 World Assembly took place from 18-21 June in Scotland, with contributions and speeches from the UNV delegation. Read
19 November 2007
Lilongwe, Malawi: For the past few weeks, UNV volunteer Laura Collins can not help but notice the "Stop Child Abuse" stickers posted in the main town square of the capital Lilongwe. The campaign aims to break the silence around child abuse and convince leaders to commit to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation and abuse against children – including commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labour and harmful traditional practices, such as early marriages. Read
More about: Children Human rights
Countries: Malawi
06 June 2007
Johannesburg, South Africa: The indispensable role of volunteers in helping countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals is to be explored in a new co-publication by the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE). Read
More about: MDGs: General
13 December 2006
Cairo, Egypt: The 8 boats participating in a ‘Sailing the Nile’ campaign reached their final destination in Cairo last Thursday. The fleet had sailed down the Nile with stops in eight Egyptian towns to promote the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and MDG projects involving volunteerism. Read
More about: MDGs: General
Countries: Egypt
05 December 2006
Bonn, Germany: Every day, countless citizens volunteer their time, energy and skills in response to crises or people in need. International Volunteer Day (IVD) was instituted to make visible and recognize the contribution of these unknown heroes, who, by their engagement, bring their countries one step closer to the Millennium Development Goals. Read
UNV Executive Coordinator's message for IVD 2006 (23 kb)
UN Secretary General s message for IVD 2006 (63 kb)
UNDP Administrator s message for IVD 2006 (43 kb) Other languages: en français
16 February 2006
Turin, Italy: Beyond the 17 days of sports and athletic glory, the Torino Winter Olympics is serving as a platform to highlight the role of volunteers in not only the Olympic Games but in other areas of society. Read
Countries: Italy





