“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 Yet, outdated measurement methods have long overlooked much of this contribution, leaving volunteerism undervalued in policy and investment decisions.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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