The war continues unabated in its eleventh month. In this backdrop, Elena Mansour, from the Netherlands, serves as a UN Volunteer in Security Analysis and Training with the World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Bureau in Egypt. She reports on security and political developments regarding food security. This reporting is vital to forecast potential risks for famine.

“It was stressful as I was far from my family, and we didn't know how intense the aftershocks were going to be,” recounts Cameroonian, Desiree Gertrude Etobe, an Associate Protection Officer on the challenges encountered on both personal and professional levels due to the earthquake. Professionally, rapid response was crucial.

Digital technology is more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline, a bridge to a future with no boundaries, only limitless possibilities.

Nesrine Kammourieh is a Digital Communications Associate with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Lebanon. She manages the organization's social media accounts, creates impactful content and manages the digital campaigns. She also monitors the performance of various digital platforms. 

Abdul Halim's journey with UNDP began with a deep interest in using data-driven, evidence-based approaches to tackle the humanitarian issues in Lebanon and support initiatives to build peace and stability. For him, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of his volunteer assignment is the direct impact it has on society. "Incorporating data analysis into tangible humanitarian projects and interventions reinforces my connection with society at large. Specifically with vulnerable communities," he shares.

Online Volunteers showcased their graphic design skills and represented the goals of Algeria's Green Entrepreneurship Week. Led by an Online Volunteer from Tunisia, Samher Abbessi, the Online Volunteering team with UNDP came up with promotional materials and presentations including a vibrant logo symbolizing sustainability and circular practices. 

Augustus Rivers Brightman is from the United States of America and has a background in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies. His passion for design and environmental conservation led him to become an Online Volunteer.

Prince Jacob is a UN Volunteer Nurse. He administers vaccinations, delivers nursing care, facilitates prompt emergency responses, and ensures medical support for UNISFA's field operations. Nursing in the peacekeeping context — Prince's service directly impacts the health and welfare of all personnel including international peacekeepers and local staff engaged in the mission's endeavours. Abyei is situated between Sudan and South Sudan.

UN Volunteers are Marine Reserve Rangers at the Aqaba Marine Reserve in the port city of Aqaba in Jordan. As part of the project's activities, they patrol the reserve’s beaches, and complement their service by offering educational programmes and engaging in research initiatives.  Serving with the Awareness and Public Relations Department, Bdour Abu-Bader supports educational initiatives for the local community ranging from beach clean-up campaigns to maintaining social media platforms. She also supports the operational responsibilities at the reserve.

Six months on, the war continues unabated.  Declared one of the deadliest conflicts in centuries on civilians and infrastructure, the evidence keeps multiplying on numerous cases of international humanitarian law violations, including against humanitarians and volunteers.