Katinka Weinberger, Chief of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division at ESCAP, delivered the opening remarks. By learning about the interconnected nature of the SDGs and using a systems thinking approach, we hope that you will be better equipped to support the integration of volunteerism in policies and programmes that place people at the center, to ensure that no one is left behind. --Katinka Weinberger, Chief of the Environment and Development Policy Section, ESCAP

I serve as a UN Volunteer with UNDP, as part of the Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab, which supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.  I came to Armenia in February 2019 with high expectations, keen to learn more about data analysis and big data. 

Bonn, Germany – This week, a partnership agreement was signed between the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The commitment to a strengthened partnership between UNV and the Republic of Kazakhstan extends to supporting UN Volunteer assignments for Kazakhstani nationals to serve within the United Nations system. "We highly appreciate the partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan and the commitment to continue to promote volunteerism within the country and globally," states Olivier Adam, Executive Coordinator of UNV.

Bonn, Germany – This week, a partnership agreement was signed between the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The commitment to a strengthened partnership between UNV and the Republic of Kazakhstan extends to supporting UN Volunteer assignments for Kazakhstani nationals to serve within the United Nations system. "We highly appreciate the partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan and the commitment to continue to promote volunteerism within the country and globally," states Olivier Adam, Executive Coordinator of UNV.

Bonn, Germany – This week, a partnership agreement was signed between the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The commitment to a strengthened partnership between UNV and the Republic of Kazakhstan extends to supporting UN Volunteer assignments for Kazakhstani nationals to serve within the United Nations system. "We highly appreciate the partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan and the commitment to continue to promote volunteerism within the country and globally," states Olivier Adam, Executive Coordinator of UNV.

The activities I am engaged in at the Child Protection Unit are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically with SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The unit’s work in Malakal meets one of the major targets specified under this goal, which is to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against, and torture of, children. 

Serving with the IOM Durable Solutions Programme, Leena recognizes the opportunity to consult people with various backgrounds as a real asset in her daily activities as a UN Volunteer. She sees the diversity of their ideas and opinions as a rich resource to build cohesion and sustainable solutions. Volunteerism strengthens civic engagement, social inclusion, solidarity and ownership. It also builds capacities, ownership and connections between local communities and national authorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Volunteer assignments foster youth engagement by providing a transformational experience that allows young people to build knowledge and develop skills. In Azerbaijan, Gunay Karimova and Rustam Jabbarov have served as Youth Advocates for Private Sector Engagement and Technology, Youth and Innovation since 2018.

Samara Hamid, a national UN Youth Volunteer Site Planner and Project Associate with IOM, believes that by becoming a volunteer one can extend knowledge and skills in the humanitarian and development sector.

To highlight the importance of fighting inequality, and at the same time having some fun - this year’s IVD social media challenge, the EQUALIZER, asks everyone to get involved. By posting your photos, videos and audio content you promote equality through volunteerism and show how you can become more equitable (even for just a photo). What is the equalizer? It is a social media campaign promoting equality through volunteerism that includes a diversity challenge. How can you do it?