UNEP is actively seeking young, passionate, and skilled talent from less represented regions of the world to join the organization and become the environmental leaders of tomorrow. This online recruitment drive will last until 15 May 2023. This is your chance to help us all work together to protect our Earth; your chance to help us shape your own future. --Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, speaking to potential applicants in a video message

Forum and UNV share a common purpose, and both organizations recognise the importance of responsible, impactful volunteering in delivering the SDGs. This MoU sets out a new phase in our collaboration with UNV in which we will launch new research and new conversations on volunteering, and promote the voices of volunteers. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues in UNV in this exciting new phase," says Heather Shapter, Chair of the Forum Board.

When partners fund UNV’s work they can increase the visibility of their international engagement and promote people-centered development cooperation. In addition to broadening participation by supporting UN Volunteers in their field assignments, funding partners also assist UNV to uphold the value and global recognition of volunteerism. Funding UNV is possible through the UNV Special Voluntary Fund and Full Funding Programme. Special Voluntary Fund

The Deputy Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, Ms Kyoko Yokosuka, and UNV Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms Lita Paparoni, visited Mexico. They met with representatives of different UN entities, including the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Women, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO).

The two partners exchanged on their collaboration on UNV’s Full Funding programme, under which Norec funds UN Volunteer assignments for Norwegian nationals.

Recognizing Sida’s catalytic support to UNV, the two partners explored ways to further engage in support of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Sida appreciates UNV as a flexible partner. It is impressive what UNV does and how UNV reports on results, including its digital and data spaces. – Alan AtKisson, Head of Sida’s Department for Partnerships and Innovation

Good afternoon, On behalf of the United Nations Volunteers programme, I am very happy to be here in Mexico City today, on the occasion of International Volunteer Day. Let me start by greeting our Volunteers – today is all about you and the incredible work you are doing here in Mexico.

I have come to you today with an open mind, an open heart and open hands. I have come with an open mind, because this is the first visit of the head of UNV to Yemen since 1982. Forty years is a long time. There is a lot to reconnect, to absorb and to adjust. Last week, my father called me from Moscow and asked where I was going. I said, I am going to Yemen. He was happy to hear that and asked me if I knew that Yemen is one of only ten countries mentioned in the Holy Q’uran.

Over a billion people volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve their communities. From providing practical support to vulnerable children and adults to advising on sophisticated technical and legal issues, volunteers are present at all levels of society. Each one brings a specific set of skills to their tasks. To mark this occasion, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed sends a message of thanks to volunteers, who, she says, "bring concrete solutions to development challenges and for the common good."