Turning a UN Dream into Reality

United Nations Volunteers
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Daria Sergeeva didn’t grow up planning to leave home at twenty to live and work in another country. But sometimes a life-changing decision doesn’t announce itself with certainty—it slips in quietly, disguised as a vacancy notice. When she saw the words: UN Volunteer. Belarus. Something clicked. It wasn’t just a job. It was a thread connecting a fifteen-year-old girl who once crossed a border for a training programme, a student organizing Model UN while dreaming out loud, and a young woman suddenly forced to ask herself: What if I actually go?

Daria still remembers the moment it all came together. “When I saw the UN Volunteer vacancy in 2022, it felt like everything aligned—the personal connection, the long‑held dream of working with the United Nations.” She applied, got the offer, said her goodbyes—and soon after, was on a flight to Minsk. Originally from the Russian Federation, Daria joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus as a UN Volunteer.

From Gulu: Where climate action becomes real

Decimon Anywar, Local and Community Development Specialist, UNCDF
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I am Decimon Anywar from Uganda, currently serving as a UN Volunteer with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) as a Local and Community Development Specialist on Climate Change. I am based in Gulu City in Northern Uganda. I joined the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) with a clear purpose: to serve my community where it truly matters—not in theory, but on the ground, where needs are real and immediate. To that end, I remained active on the UNV portal, continuously refined my profile, and applied for a role that genuinely aligned with my training and professional experience.

With both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, alongside more than three years of field experience, I brought more than formal qualifications—I brought context. The role required strong local knowledge, and that is where I stood out.

Global momentum builds for IVY 2026

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Participants highlighted strong momentum across countries, including national launch events, early action planning, and active regional and global engagement. They also underscored the central role of national‑level initiatives and the importance of sustained collaboration. 

“We are developing an African perspective on volunteer data and strengthening our advocacy efforts, positioning Senegal as a capital of volunteerism in the Global South.” Seydina M. Ndiaye, IVY 2026 National Focal Point, Senegal. 

Executive Coordinator presents the UNV Strategic Framework to the Executive Board

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Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers (UNV) presented the Strategic Framework 2026-2029 to the Executive Board in New York on 5 February 2026. The Executive Board consists of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

I thank you, Mr. Chair and the Associate Administrator, for the invitation to present the UNV Strategic Framework. Before I begin, I would like to request the Secretariat to introduce a short video for the delegates, please.

I thank the Secretariat, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates.

What you have just seen captures the essence of this Strategic Framework.

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