The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is committed to harnessing the enthusiasm, influence and expertise of former UN Volunteers by creating an exclusive network within which to celebrate and recognize their achievements. It will be a place to share knowledge and interests, providing peer-peer support (for example about careers), a space for discussion on topics ranging from the countries in which we work to the MDGs, as well as providing a chance to promote opportunities to remain engaged with peace and development through activities, regionally and globally. Members will be able to search for former UN Volunteer colleagues as well as to set up special interest groups. Whether former UN Volunteers finished their assignment a long time ago and want updates about the organization’s development or have just arrived home and are seeking support and advice from peers, this will be the place to come.

With the cooperation of some of our Field Units as well as enthusiastic former UN Volunteers, UNV is currently piloting on a social collaboration platform - 'Teamworks' - developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and will continue to do so for the remainder of 2011. Once this stage has been completed, we will launch the network, posting details here on how to join. We anticipate this to be in the early part of 2012, capitalising on the celebrations to mark the 10th Anniversary of International Year of Volunteers, so watch this space!

For further information, please send an email to: former[dot]volunteers[at]unv[dot]org