Applauding volunteering for sustainable development at the United Nations General Assembly

The speech of UNV Executive Coordinator
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Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), delivered remarks at the global launch of International Volunteer Year 2026 and the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report at the United Nations in New York. Speaking on International Volunteer Day on 5 December, he highlighted the global impact of volunteers in peace, development, and human rights.

Madam President of the General Assembly, my fellow co-conveners, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

I stand here with the International Year 2026 logo in one hand and the 2026 report in the other.

This means either of two things:

First: it must be January somewhere.

Second: someone has decided to start the International Year a little early.

Frankly, this is exactly what you would expect from volunteers.

They are the first to arrive, the last to leave, and occasionally show up before the calendar allows them to do so.

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IOM and UNV launch Mentorship Network for returning migrants in Africa

Dakar, Senegal
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The initiative will deploy a first cohort of 50 UN Volunteers as Community Mentors for returned migrants in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and The Gambia. Most mentors are former migrants themselves, better positioned to provide guidance to people navigating the challenges of returning home after difficult journeys.

International Volunteer Day 2025

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Every meal tells a story: A volunteer's voice from Tajikistan

United Nations Volunteers
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In Tajikistan’s rugged mountains, a simple idea is transforming lives: feed children so they can learn. Through the World Food Programme’s school feeding initiative—supported by the Russian Federation and the Government of Tajikistan— 440,000 children in some 2,000 schools receive nutritious meals every day. These meals turn classrooms into spaces of hope, helping children learn, grow, and build healthy habits that will last for generations. Behind this impact is a network of partnerships and dedicated people, including volunteers who bring these stories to life. One of them is Elizaveta Smeshko, a Russian international UN Volunteer serving as an Associate Communications and Advocacy Officer with WFP.

When Elizaveta arrived in Tajikistan in January 2025, her goal was clear: shine a light on the school feeding programme funded by the Russian Government, which also funds her UN Volunteer assignment. But as her assignment unfolded, her role expanded—covering all WFP programmes in Tajikistan and making her work as dynamic as the country itself.

“I lost my sight, but I never lost my vision”

UNV and UNICEF
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“I lost my sight, but I never lost my vision.”  With these words, UN Volunteer Sushil Adhikari sets the tone for a story of resilience and purpose. From facing discrimination and isolation as a child to becoming a voice for inclusion, he reminds us that advocacy is not just about speaking up—it’s about breaking barriers and creating a world where everyone belongs. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we spotlight Sushil from the Youth Advocates programme, a collaboration of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV).

The Youth Advocates programme aims to give young people, including those with disabilities, a one-year professional experience through a UN Volunteer assignment with UNICEF to protect children’s rights. 

United Nations Secretary-General's message on International Volunteer Day 2025

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, observed on 5 December, focuses on: Everyone has something meaningful to offer. 

“In an era of political division and social isolation, volunteering offers a powerful way to forge connections and foster our shared humanity.

On this International Volunteer Day, we honour the millions across the globe stepping forward to serve their communities and advance the greater good.

This year’s theme, “Every Contribution Matters”, reminds us that everyone has something meaningful to offer, and that every cause, from hunger to climate to humanitarian action, benefits from the enthusiasm and expertise of volunteers.

The 2026 SWVR: Redefining the true value of Volunteerism

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Every month, 2.1 billion working-age people volunteer their time and skills—fuelling real change in communities worldwide. Yet, outdated measurement methods have long overlooked much of this contribution, leaving volunteerism undervalued in policy and investment decisions.

Three decades on: A new chapter for UN Bonn with UN Women

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On 21 November 2025, at the United Nations campus in Bonn, Germany, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Executive Coordinator, Toily Kurbanov, delivered remarks at the inauguration of UN Women’s Bonn Global Office, extending a warm welcome to the UN Women team.

Just this week, I came across a 1995 UN briefing prepared for Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali ahead of his meeting with Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

It proposed three talking points:

1. Thank Germany for its generous air support to UN peacekeeping missions, with C-160 aircraft and CH-53G helicopters.

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