SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
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.
11 July 2024
Arab States
Success stories
SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
The first regional Report of its kind – VCARE showcases the evolution of volunteering practices and the impact of volunteer efforts, emphasizes the value of volunteers' contributions, and identifies best practices in the region's volunteer movement. The Report’s findings offer diverse examples of volunteer actions that can help to fast track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the region's five countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. 
11 July 2024
Global, Europe and the CIS
Article
SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Asfia joined UNICEF Bangladesh in 2023. She brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education, play-based pedagogy, curriculum development, teachers’ professional development, and research.   As an Education Officer, Asfia regularly monitors classrooms. She gives feedback to teachers on widening their skills, refining teaching techniques, and promoting a positive learning environment. All of this directly impacts academic performance.
08 July 2024
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
This joint partnership initiative between UNEP and UNV has a twin objective: To deploy the second cohort of 13 young talented individuals in areas related to UNEP's mandate. To seek candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. If you are 33 years of age or younger, check out the assignment opportunities. Women and individuals from marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.
25 June 2024
East and Southern Africa
Article
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Mariko Otake is a UN Volunteer Associate Protection Officer with UNHCR in Uganda. Her area of focus is the West Nile region — particularly Adjumani district, which is home to 19 refugee settlements and over 222,000 refugees. Working closely with local government, partners, and refugee community leaders, Mariko makes sure the well-being of refugees is on top of the agenda. She creates sustainable support systems within refugee communities by connecting local community members to refugee-led organizations.
19 June 2024
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Olena Samoilova is a Ukrainian refugee who left her home with her family when the war started in February 2022. She found refuge in Hungary the following month. Driven by empathy and sense of responsibility to support others, she volunteered at migration service centers shortly after she arrived in Hungary.
18 June 2024
Europe and the CIS
Success stories
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
A retired Indian Army Officer with over a decade of military service, Poonam joined UNICEF in 2022 as a Child Protection Officer. She spreads the word about the negative impact of child marriage on everyone — the child plus society at large. 
10 June 2024
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Leyla started her volunteering journey with UNDP as a Project Clerk. She provides administrative support, maintains project documents, and assists communication across many levels. "I am keen to contribute to a culture of inclusivity within the team and ensure that women's voices are heard and valued at every stage of the project." Leyla shares.
06 June 2024
Europe and the CIS
Success stories
SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
I am an international UN Volunteer Communications Specialist from Ghana. My role with UNDP in Zambia involves connecting with people throughout the country to document stories of strife and triumph. What I value most in my work is storytelling and bringing to the fore voices of the ones not heard.
30 May 2024
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Xiaerbati was part of a team that provided vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities to women from rural areas in Qinghai Province. These opportunities made it easy to access renewable energy, boosting agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change. “Volunteerism plays a pivotal role in fostering long-term economic empowerment of women by creating sustainable support systems and fostering community resilience,” says Xiaerbati.
29 May 2024
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories