UNV plays an increasingly pivotal role in mobilizing volunteers and promoting volunteerism. The 5,090 UN Volunteers who served in 2001 throughout the developing world and in countries in economic transition represent development cooperation at its finest. Read

The year 2001 was business unusual and extraordinary for the UNV programme. It was our 30th anniversary as an organization and our fifth consecutive record year - 5,090 UN Volunteers from 160 countries taking up 5,432 assignments in 140 developing nations and countries in economic transition. UNV also built up its largest single presence ever, in East Timor. At the time of the Constituent Assembly polls on 31 August, over 900 UN Volunteers from 96 countries were supporting the East Timor Public Administration, including electoral processes, and carrying out a range of activities nationwide as part of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). Read

BONN: In its role as focal point for the International Year of Volunteers, UNV has advocated for pro-volunteer policies through its publications as well as through active deliberations with government officials, academics, volunteer leaders and volunteers from all over the world. Read

Bonn, Germany: Daring to care, many UN Volunteers worked as peer counsellors and advisers with partners in African, Asian and Caribbean communities to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. One of these UN Volunteers was Aster Wolde Kidan of Ethiopia. She served in Botswana, where 36.3 per cent of the population carries the virus - the highest incidence in the world. Read

Bonn, Germany: Youth volunteering in the Arab States 2001. Read

Bonn, Germany: Following years of conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), young men have been standing in line to say no - no to compulsory military duty and yes to voluntary civil service. The call for the right to be a conscientious objector has been strongest among men who went into exile in European countries during the war. Read

Bonn, Germany: After Cambodia's wars in the 1970s, many traditional villages and cultural heritage sites were destroyed. As people struggled to survive, there was little opportunity for basic education let alone a chance to learn traditional music, dance, customs and value systems. Read

BONN: 2001 in CIS and Asia. Read

Bonn, Germany: Two strong earthquakes shook El Salvador in January and February 2001, leaving widespread damage throughout the country. This prompted a call to action for the country's National IVY Committee. Salvadorean UN Volunteer and volunteer promoter, Felix Arevalo, and Spanish UNV Programme Officer Cristina Herrero spearheaded a campaign to mobilize volunteer action in support of those most affected. Read

Bonn, Germany: Start young, stay green. Throughout 2001, volunteer awareness mushroomed through environmental clubs in tropical Guyana. In less than a year, the number of clubs affiliated with the country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increased from 12 to 55. They span the populated coastland of Guyana and large areas of the interior, with such names as Teenage Action Rangers, Kanuku Environmental Warriors and Young Environmentalists. Read