Guided by the principle of Volunteerism For Development (V4D), the UN Volunteers programme (UNV) advocates the benefits of civic engagement, integrates volunteerism into development programmes, and mobilises thousands of volunteers every year in pursuit of distinctive contributions to development effectiveness.

These contributions take the form of increased access to opportunities and services, and better delivery of services, greater inclusion and participation in development, and the mobilization of communities.

UNV helps countries to foster and develop volunteerism as a force for sustainable development. We provide strategic advice on the role and contribution of volunteerism and options for civic engagement in development programmes. We help countries to improve public inclusion and participation in social, economic and political development, and we support the growth of volunteerism within communities as a form of mutual self-help.

Volunteerism is a natural and fundamental part of most societies. It is a renewable and sustainable resource and, if encouraged and harnessed, volunteerism can play a significant role in national and international development planning. UNV believes that the Millennium Development Goals will only be achieved through the voluntary support of millions of people worldwide.

We partner with governments and with UN, non-profit and private sector organisations in order to support development programmes. UNV delivers a prompt, efficient and value-adding service to identify and engage professionals who can deliver services and fulfill a wide range of specialised tasks.

UNV directly mobilises more than 7,500 UNV volunteers every year nationally and internationally. More than 75% of UNV volunteers come from developing countries, and more than 40% volunteer within their own countries.

UNV volunteers help to organise and run local and national elections and support a large number of peacekeeping and humanitarian projects. UNV volunteers comprise one third of all international civilians working in UN peacekeeping operations.

UNV also operates the Online Volunteering service, which connects development organisations directly with thousands of online volunteers who can provide services and advice over the internet.

See:

UNV’s distinctive contributions to effective development
UNV and the Millennium Development Goals
Partners and cooperating agencies
UNV operations by country