Managua, Nicaragua: Finding the link between poverty and the loss of biodiversity is simple: the small producers inhabiting rural Nicaragua need firewood to survive, and have no other option than to find it in the forest. Read

Bogota, Colombia: My collaboration with the organization, logistical coordination and supervision of UNIFEM's events provides me with the chance to actively promote and participate in the creation of debate areas, supporting social mobilization and strengthening the net, and to learn more about victimized women and the existing policies affecting Colombia. Read

Geneva, Switzerland: "It is an enormous privilege to address this 111th Inter Parliamentary Assembly for the first time as UNV Executive Coordinator. As focal point in the United Nations for volunteering, the UNV programme recognizes the importance of parliaments and parliamentarians in the national life of citizens and their critical role in promoting and supporting democratic processes. The full engagement of citizens in the life of societies is a vital part of well functioning democracies and volunteering down the ages has always proven to be a significant channel for such participation." Read

Geneva, Switzerland: The 111th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has marked the occasion to launch a Guidance Note on “Volunteerism and Legislation” jointly prepared by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), IPU, and the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme. Read

Barcelona, Spain: Speaking at a special forum of the 18th World Volunteer Conference promoted by the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), Mr. de Raad urged governments to seize volunteerism’s potential in helping to realize their commitments to the MDGs. Read