Then and now, why UN Volunteers? The UN Volunteers (UNV) programme offers a win-win solution. First, volunteer professionals enrich UN projects with an innovative vibe. Second, whether they move forward in the UN system or not, UN Volunteers gain experience that will help in any new beginning. Dare to challenge yourselves: volunteer. UNDP/UNV is a great place to be. How did your UN Volunteer journey start?

In 1992, I, and many others from all around the world, landed in Cambodia as part of the staggered deployment of around 700 United Nations Volunteers to support the Cambodian elections. 

During my 33 years of service in the UN, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has never been far from me. Likely because the spirit of UNV – the inspiration that moves people of all ages to act and make a difference in the lives of others – is what the UN itself is all about.

The two students were engaged through an innovative project entitled “Ditch UNfair internships” – an initiative of UN Human Rights to address barriers and create wider access for diverse students to receive entry-level working experience in Geneva.

Dealing with isolation through volunteering Now that the spotlight has shone bright on what isolation can do to us as individuals and societies, it is time to put more sustainable mechanisms into place to deal with isolation, especially among senior citizens. 

While based in the Sahel - the most youthful region in the world, with 64.5% of youth aged under 25 [1] - I have had the opportunity to witness how youth volunteerism can empower young people and provide them with opportunities to actively participate in local, national, regional and global development activities.

UNV’s first peacekeeping deployment By the time I became Deputy Executive Coordinator in 1987, peacekeeping had become an important part of the UN’s role, with most major operations at the time carried out in Cambodia, between 1992 and 1993.  

In Tanzania, Violence Against Women and Girls is widespread and pervasive. Patriarchal social structures and traditional gender norms perpetuate violence. Women may be socialized to accept, tolerate or even rationalize domestic and partner violence perpetuated against them. For girls, some parents prevent their girl child from attending school and insist they fail exams or encourage them to quit schooling. Furthermore, rape and child marriage result in expulsion from education as does pregnancy, all of which are considered violence or violent acts.

A UNV assignment at a critical & historic moment for Timor-Leste

In Uganda, thousands of children become extremely sick and at risk of death due to unequal access to safe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene. Diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, which are preventable with safe water and sanitation, remain leading causes of child mortality.