The journey so far: Where to next for disability inclusion at UNV?

Rebecca Daniel, Disability Inclusion Specialist at UNV
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

The journey is the destination – a saying never more important than when it comes to disability inclusion. On the journey to a more inclusive UNV programme, my observation as a Disability Inclusion Focal point is that it is a process – of small and large wins. Drawing conclusions from valuable lessons learnt, I can say that it has been both enriching and challenging at the same time, and in many ways. Importantly though, lots of new opportunities for persons with disabilities to volunteer and participate in peace and sustainable development have been created.

The path to a more inclusive UN system has been paved by the engagement of UN volunteers with disabilities in UN entities around the world. Yet, barriers still exist – both within and outside of the UN system. Social stigma via institutional and economic constraints on physical participation and communication, persist.  Barriers have hampered efforts and limited successes yet are also motivation to work tirelessly towards inclusive change.  

UNDP championing disability inclusion in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

We are proud of our UN Volunteers, who bring such positive energy, knowledge and talent to the team. UNDP has long placed youth at the heart of our development framework and is eager to advance the inclusion of youth with disabilities. I strongly believe the contributions of our volunteers will be a catalyst in addressing many challenges people with disability face in the country. --Aliona Niculita, Resident Representative a.i. , UNDP Pakistan

Removing barriers for those living with disabilities

Aliaksandr (Sasha) Audzevich, former UN Volunteer Inclusion Specialist
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

In the Belarus office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), there was a mirror around two metres high. Most people could not use it. "Now you understand how people in wheelchairs, like me, usually feel with mirrors hanging at the usual height," explains Aliaksandr Audzevich, who prefers to be called Sasha. A former participant of the UNDP-UNV Talent Programme for Young Professionals with Disabilities, he served as an Inclusion Officer in the UNDP Belarus Hub, in Minsk.

My main goal at UNDP was to remove barriers to employment for persons with disabilities and to educate employers on how to create accessible and inclusive working environments. --Sasha Audzevich

Walking the talk: How volunteer-to-volunteer empowerment advances the 2030 Agenda

Carmen Ramirez, UNV Communications, Latin America & the Caribbean
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

No one left behind – the pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – is not just about advocating and speaking up for those without a voice. It is about committing to include as many voices as possible and bringing opportunities to find and use that voice.

Amidst the pandemic, the world finds itself at a critical turning point. To fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to overcome both current crises and future ones, this Decade of Action needs to be just that – one of urgent, inclusive and long-term-oriented action.

UN Volunteers with disabilities and an inclusive COVID-19 response

Worldwide
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

To date in 2020, at least 71 UN Volunteer with disabilities are deployed with our UN entity partners. We say at least, because these figures only factor in those volunteers who voluntarily disclosed their disability. There are many more, serving on regular volunteer assignments.

How we can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic together

Lucy Ndungu, Regional Manager, UNV Regional Office for East and Southern Africa
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

For most of this year, our lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives have been lost, livelihoods disrupted and education adversely impacted. Poverty levels have increased in some countries, societal bonds have been strained, and the overall trend of development has been reversed. Yet, despite the bleak outlook, we have witnessed stories of hope, courage, triumph and kindness towards one another: the spirit of oneness – ubuntu, obuntu bulamu or utu, as it is commonly known in East and Southern Africa.

The spirit of volunteerism, innate in all of us, is what drives the selflessness of people who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, have extended kindness to their neighbours, supported access to medical care for those in need, and shopped for the elderly and other vulnerable people, among other acts of generosity. This resonates with a quote from former UN Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan.  

Persons with disabilities at UNV

print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

Tackling HIV/AIDS in health and political crises

print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

Over the past decade, 97 UN Volunteers have served with UNAIDS in 36 countries across the world. Their role? To stop new infections, ensure access to treatment for people living with HIV, defend and promote human rights and generate data to support decision-making.

Volunteers have played a critical role in the response to HIV since the earliest days of the epidemic. UNAIDS recognizes their importance, values their engagement and will continue to support their contribution in joining global efforts to end AIDS. --Tim Martineau, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Management and Governance, a.i.

From tiny ideas: Finding meaning in 21st century volunteerism

Ulziisuren Jamsran, UN Women Representative in Kyrgyzstan
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

An event of the alumni initiative, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme’s regional alumni meeting for Europe and Central Asia provides UN Volunteers with the opportunity to learn from former volunteers now working in managerial positions in the UN system. Ms Ulziisuren Jamsran, UN Women Representative in Kyrgyzstan, former UN Volunteer and top innovator in gender-transformative changes, was a recent guest speaker. She shared her story and vision for the future of volunteerism, touching many and inspiring the next generation of volunteers turned leaders.

I arrived in Kyrgyzstan aged 25, along with my spouse and child. My assignment as a UN Volunteer was to assist communities to overcome poverty in remote areas of the country.

My experience as a UN Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan, from 1999-2001, was unique and enriching. It allowed me to become a professional and ultimately, it paved the way for my future.  It is truly the most amazing and life-changing journey I have been on.  

Nourishing the future of children and women in Cameroon

print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

Elodia Cheutou is a national UN Volunteer serving with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Cameroon. Elodia, fondly called ‘the mother of babies’ by her colleagues and partners, is supporting the fight against hunger and nourishing the future of children and women in Cameroon. She shares her experience.

My name is Elodia Cheutou and I am 28 years old from Cameroon. I am a national UN Volunteer serving with WFP in Bertoua, in the eastern part of Cameroon.

Subscribe to