In Kenya, UN Volunteers took part in the activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December, hosted at the Technical University of Mombasa. The event included a booth display and a talent show from special needs schools. UNV highlighted volunteer programmes and potential UN Volunteer assignments that are inclusive of people with disabilities.

The UNDP project, Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands, supports national authorities to conduct credible and inclusive electoral processes, and is implemented with financial support from the Australian Government. It has the overarching objective of strengthening the link between elections and other key governance processes and institutions contributing to social cohesion and the development of a pluralistic society.

The two partners exchanged on their collaboration on UNV’s Full Funding programme, under which Norec funds UN Volunteer assignments for Norwegian nationals.

Recognizing Sida’s catalytic support to UNV, the two partners explored ways to further engage in support of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Sida appreciates UNV as a flexible partner. It is impressive what UNV does and how UNV reports on results, including its digital and data spaces. – Alan AtKisson, Head of Sida’s Department for Partnerships and Innovation

UNICEF's Division of Human Resources collaborated with the Capacity Development Team of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and experienced career coaches to boost the confidence and skills of their UN Volunteers. In two live sessions, UN Volunteers hosted at UNICEF offices globally received useful resources, advice and tips on career management. In addition, they connected with the global UNV community and engaged with UNICEF's Talent Programmes and Partnership Team.

As the UN agency focused on sexual health and reproductive rights, UNFPA's mandate spans many areas – from maternal health to gender-based violence. With the Youth Innovator Fellows on board, the agency has gained a strong group of advocates and implementers. What does the day-to-day work of a Young Innovator Fellow look like? It turns out the projects are as diverse as the Young Innovators themselves. Yet innovation is the thread that binds.

Vanuatu is a small island developing country with pristine coasts and luscious tropical nature that is also at high risk of natural disasters. The compounding impact of this is a climate security crisis, with quickly deteriorating livelihoods, and lacking opportunities for a sustainable ecosystem where all can thrive. COVID-19 only compounded matters further.

The Great Green Wall of the Sahara and Sahel initiative is one of the most ambitious programmes to combat climate change and desertification and fight food insecurity and poverty on the African continent. Adopted by the African Union in 2007, the Great Green Wall initiative brings together more than 20 African countries, in addition to international organizations, research institutes, civil society and community-based organizations. 

UNICEF and UNHCR, in partnership with governments and civil society organizations, have set up 26 Blue Dot safe spaces for children and women in bordering countries, each able to provide relief for 3,000-5,000 people per day. They are also mobilizing to treat the mental and emotional damage caused by the conflict. In Romania, Marina Feher became a national UN Volunteer with UNICEF to help the Blue Dot initiative, focusing on refugees in Isaccea, Tulcea and Galati areas.

The twenty seventh Conference of the Parties (COP27) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convened in Egypt from 6 to 18 of November 2022. This is the most important annual meeting to discuss the implementation of international agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. In the midst of the negotiations there are growing calls for urgent action, prioritizing those affected and increasing climate awareness among the people.