Standing up for the health rights of women in Sudan

United Nations Volunteers
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In the lead up to International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of UN Volunteers around the globe. Areeg Abass is one of them—hailing from Sudan, she serves as a UN Volunteer Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health Officer with the World Health Organization (WHO). Amidst one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, which has displaced over 10 million people and worsened the conditions for women and girls, Areeg's role is crucial. From grassroots-level support to community initiatives, volunteers like her lead the charge for change, exemplifying the strength of collective action.

Areeg's volunteer journey is marked by significant personal and professional growth. A graduate of Khartoum University, she is currently based in Port Sudan. She provides essential support to WHO's priorities in sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health.

Promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific

United Nations Volunteers
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Junichi Natsume is a fully funded UN Volunteer from Japan. He serves as a Disability Inclusion Project Officer with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Thailand. In this role, he leads a project dedicated to improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Globally, persons with disabilities comprise 16 percent of the world’s population, approximately 1.3 billion people. In Asia and the Pacific, more than 750 million persons with disabilities often face unequal access to a range of rights, opportunities, and social services. 

Shaping my persona—a blog from Bangladesh

Sonia Mehzabeen, UNV County Coordinator Bangladesh
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Born and raised in South Asia, I inherited a rich socio-cultural history; adopting societal norms of inclusiveness was an integral part of my upbringing. As the first-born child in a middle-class family, I was no exception to many others from my time. As young kids, we were encouraged to remain dutiful to family members and neighbours. Helping with household chores, sharing meals, offering support during troubled times, and celebrating festivals together were commonplace. The other important lesson was how important time was and how we must make the best use of it. This led me to a regimented lifestyle from a very early age.  

As readers you might be pondering why I chose to begin my blog with—duty, routine, time—as you read through, you will soon find the answer.

My country, Bangladesh was a beginner when I was born. She and I grew up almost together. We have traveled through the caravan of time and experienced transitions of more than four decades now. In all these years, I have seen her moving through the tough tunnels of development dynamics.

What brings me to work everyday? A blog from Pakistan

Waseem Ashraf, UNV Country Coordinator Pakistan
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Volunteerism is not just about dedicating time; it’s about dedicating heart, passion, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. As someone privileged and honoured to work with United Nations Volunteers (UNV), I often ask a simple question from our UN Volunteers during our monthly tea gatherings: What brings you to work every day?

But first let’s talk about tea or chai. Last year in a meeting with our senior manager, she asked me definition of a problem. “Anything that cannot be resolved over a cup of tea is a problem” was my answer.

In Pakistani culture, “let’s meet over a cup of tea” is not merely a simple statement. It symbolizes warmth, respect, and care. Tea is an integral part of our society and culture, and as a symbol of hospitality, social bonding, and friendships.  

Back to my question now.

Supporting Education in West and Central Africa

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Education shapes lives, unlocks potential, and builds stronger societies. On this International Day of Education, we share glimpses of the work of UN Volunteers who make learning more accessible and inclusive across West and Central Africa.

In northeast Nigeria, where conflict has displaced thousands, UN Volunteer Mary Mahdi Bumba works with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as a Digital Literacy Facilitator. Mary’s journey began by addressing the digital gender gap, equipping girls in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and schools with essential tech skills. As her initiative grew, boys and adults joined in, learning practical skills like social media marketing and graphic design.

These tools go beyond the classroom.

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