In April 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) convened in Bonn, Germany for a two-day mission to the UNV Headquarters, a moment to reflect on a collaboration that has grown steadily both in scale and strategic depth, and to look ahead at what it can still become.

En 2013, esa convicción me llevó a incorporarme como Voluntaria ONU Especialista Nacional con el PNUD en República Dominicana. Junto a más de 1,000 personas voluntarias, coordiné una consulta nacional en las 32 provincias del país en la que participaron más de 220,000 dominicanos y dominicanas, posicionando al país en el octavo lugar de 193 naciones en una consulta ciudadana global sobre prioridades de desarrollo.

To build resilience, urban leaders must recognize residents as essential partners. The 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) offers guidance on strengthening this civic infrastructure. Here's my take.

The UNEG-UNV Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE) programme began in 2024 with its first cohort, including 10 UN Volunteer assignments in 8 countries. These volunteers were at an early stage in their careers and under the age of 35. Of these, 50 percent were women.