Bonn, Germany: Three food technology specialists from Kraft Foods, with logistical support from United Nations Volunteers (UNV), have flown to Guinea in West Africa to teach young women candy-making techniques to help finance their non-profit vocational school in the capital Conakry. Read

New York, U.S.A.: On Tuesday, 26 November, the United Nations General Assembly will discuss the outcome of the International Year of Volunteers and its follow-up during two plenary meetings. Read

Hong Kong, China: "Of the many issues that arise in discussions around volunteering, it seems to me that the subject of measuring is among the most pressing. One of the more impressive ways of making volunteering count - is to count it. Yet, until recently, there has been reluctance in some quarters to even recognize measuring as a matter worthy of debate." Read

New York, U.S.A.: The General Assembly, in its resolution 55/57, requested the Secretary-General to report to it at its fifty-seventh session on the outcome of the International Year of Volunteers and its follow-up. The present report describes the background to the Year, provides an overview of actions taken, presents conclusions and discusses the future. Read

"I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you, on behalf of UNV, the United Nations Volunteer programme. Time is short, so let's get to the heart of the matter." Read

Johannesburg, South Africa: Delegates to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) have directed their attention to the three recognized cornerstones of sustainable development: economic growth, environmental protection and social development. In a statement at the WSSD, the head of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) has proposed a fourth cornerstone to empower and stabilize development strategies: voluntary action. Read

Johannesburg, South Africa: Panellists taking part in a side event on community involvement and volunteering at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) have urged governments to increase cooperation with voluntary organizations in a bid to improve chances for a cleaner, safer and more prosperous world. Read

Bonn, Germany: UN Volunteers' Honorary Ambassador, Mr. Takehito Nakata of Japan, paid his first visit to Viet Nam from 11 to 17 August. Viet Nam was the 26th country Mr. Nakata visited in his capacity as Honorary Ambassador. "I am glad to be able to see first hand how Viet Nam overcomes difficulties through its reform process," he said. "I have a great respect for Vietnamese culture and traditions. I am always standing by the people of Viet Nam." Read

Ha Noi, Viet Nam: The Honorary Ambassador of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, Mr. Takehito Nakata of Japan, today began a five-day visit to Viet Nam to promote the work of the United Nations and UNV. Read

Bonn, Germany: Volunteers are adding their voices to fervent calls for increased efforts to bring sustainable development and revitalized economic activity to the African continent. As the Group of Eight (G8) leaders prepared to tackle challenges raised by the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), such as steps to reduce poverty and corruption as well as to increase investment and debt relief, a group of Southern Africans took a parallel track and appealed for pro-volunteer policies and legislation. Read