Mutlaq and Abdullah are Saudi UN Volunteers on parallel journeys, turning national expertise into global experience through the fully funded partnership between UNV and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning.

“The cooperation between UNV and China began in 1981. The new agreement will continue to write a new chapter in the cooperation, playing the role of a bridge and link, and creating opportunities for more talents to participate in international volunteer services,” said Ai Yinfang, Deputy Director-General of CICETE.The Agreement builds on longstanding collaboration between UNV and partners in China, providing a stronger foundation to deepen the partnership and expand cooperation into new areas.

During an official two-day visit to the Republic of Korea on 12 and 13 October 2026, UNV Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov is meeting government representatives and international organizations. The visit takes place during the International Volunteer Year and will focus on how volunteer action can further strengthen solidarity and cooperation while responding to global peace and development challenges.

For many people, working overseas brings images of exciting projects, international travel, and new opportunities. For Rose, it also meant arriving in a country where she could barely understand the conversations happening around her. 

The WHO South-East Asia Region has over the years welcomed new cohorts of skilled and motivated volunteers, working alongside staff, Ministries of Health and partners across a wide range of technical and operational functions that reflect the breadth of WHO’s work.

Originally from Japan, Gakuto began his assignment in February 2026. Funded by the Government of Japan, he supports UNHCR’s work with people affected by displacement, in line with Benue State's Internally Displaced Persons Policy.

“Our awareness campaigns reached 1.4 million people through schools and social media, promoting safer online and offline environments for children,” Sonoko noted.Kazakhstan began establishing Child Rights Protection Departments at oblast and district levels with dedicated social workers to improve access to protection services for vulnerable children and families. 

The delegation is led by NCNP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed bin Ali Al-Suwailem and included Abdullah A. Alshomer, General Manager of Corporate Communications and Spokesperson, and Abdul Majed S. Alnowaibt, International Cooperation. During the two-day visit, the delegation meets with UNV officials to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation on volunteerism and sustainable development.

A good harvest still needs a buyer

Until recently, planning costs across multiple donors, countries, and assignments meant pulling together data from different systems and spending hours on manual calculations. The ICT data team set out to change that. Working closely with colleagues across UNV—including administration, finance and more—the data team developed a comprehensive Cost Planning Tool that brings financial, volunteer and planning data into a single platform.