In 2023, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched he Youth Champions programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This enabled 40 young women and men aged between 19 and 35 to join the 10 UNICEF offices in the DRC, each for a period of three months, as UN Community Volunteers.

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BECOME A VOLUNTEER: Check out current opportunities

In 2023, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched he Youth Champions programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This enabled 40 young women and men aged between 19 and 35 to join the 10 UNICEF offices in the DRC, each for a period of three months, as UN Community Volunteers. ©UNV, 2023

BECOME A VOLUNTEER: Check out current opportunities

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International UN Volunteer Mackendy Jeunay (Haiti) was a Communication for Social and Behavioral Change Officer in Congo. He is seen during activities and a prototyping exercise conducted with UNICEF stakeholders.

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VOLUNTEERISM IN THE SAHEL: Lessons learned and recommendations

International UN Volunteer Mackendy Jeunay (Haiti) was a Communication for Social and Behavioral Change Officer in Congo. He is seen during activities and a prototyping exercise conducted with UNICEF stakeholders. ©UNV, 2023

VOLUNTEERISM IN THE SAHEL: Lessons learned and recommendations

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Festival of Volunteerism in West and Central Africa

The Festival of Volunteerism in West and Central Africa, 20-28 October 2023, celebrated volunteerism online and in on-site events. Participants addressed key issues like climate change, prevention of violent extremism and refugees and migration. Representatives of UN entities and partners, as well as UN Volunteers, shared insights on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Festival of Volunteerism in West and Central Africa

Stories behind 50 years of volunteerism in West and Central Africa

In 2021, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme celebrated 50 years since its founding. The West and Central Africa region welcomed the first UN Volunteers in 1971. Since then, many people from all walks of life joined the programme to support peace and development in the region. This photo book features results, experiences and success stories from former volunteers, alongside testimonials from partners and serving volunteers. It shows the impact of volunteerism on their lives, results and careers.

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Inspiration in Action in West and Central Africa

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Belyse Inamahoro Bushombo is a UN Youth Volunteer Communications Assistant with UNDP, here taking some photos at the African Climate Week 2022 in Libreville, Gabon.

Volunteer voices

SDG 2
SDG 13
SDG 17

From Burundi to Gabon: Through the lenses of a millennial African woman

West and Central Africa

22 July 2023

Refugee UN Volunteer Mbabazi Mugemana (in blue) participates in a clean-up campaign across Yaoundé's districts in June 2021. He is joined by footballer Ajara Nchout Njoya, youth from the DAFI programme, representatives from the refugee committees in Cameroonian communes and partners from Plan International.

Results

SDG 10
SDG 16
SDG 17

UN Volunteers in Chad and Cameroon deliver refugee shelters and future perspectives

West and Central Africa

26 June 2023

Taken in Bonn, in 2023 at the UNCCD headquarters, at the GGW Accelerator Office location. Photo Credit: Pape Camara, UNCCD

Blogs

SDG 13
SDG 15
SDG 17

Addressing climate change and desertification in the Sahel region

West and Central Africa

16 June 2023

El Moctar Mohamed Yahya (right) is a national UN Volunteer Resource Mobilization Expert. He is seen with the representative of the town of Mederdra, during a tree-planting initiative to combat desertification in Mauritania.

Partners

SDG 13
SDG 15
SDG 17

Underscoring the pan-African battle against desertification and drought

West and Central Africa

15 June 2023

Satellite imagery showing the solar project with mini-grid installation.

Partners

SDG 11
SDG 17

Online Volunteers help close the data gap for the expansion of solar mini-grids

East and Southern Africa, West and Central Africa

31 May 2023

Displaced people in Kakenge, Kasai Province, DRC.

Blogs

SDG 10
SDG 16
SDG 17

Playing a part in promoting the humanitarian, peace and development nexus

West and Central Africa

26 May 2023

REPORTING ON OUR IMPACT

East and Southern Africa

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UNV ON SOCIAL MEDIA

@UNV_ROWCA

Ready to join the ranks of UN Volunteers? Follow these 4 steps: 1⃣Begin your journey at https://t.co/xPUtmyyYUO 2⃣Apply for specific calls that match your skills 3⃣Shine in your interview 4⃣Start creating a meaningful impact https://t.co/xZTETGXmyH

UNV_ROWCA

The #GlobalGoals are the world’s promise to create a better future for everyone, everywhere. Halfway to the 2030 deadline, we can all #ActNow and join the movement to deliver on that promise - with hope, conviction, and each other. https://t.co/qsvKoB1reT

UNV_ROWCA

"Le travaille en ligne des volontaires a permis de valoriser l'inclusion des refugiés" Boubacar Siddo, Associé en communication à @UNHCRNiger, nous parle de la contribution des 1⃣0⃣0⃣ #VolontairesEnLigne lors la campagne de la Journée Mondiale du Réfugié. Ecoutez son témoignage👇 https://t.co/Kh6SVzoz8c

UNV_ROWCA

A powerful step towards change: @UNICEF's Young Champion programme at DRC🇨🇩. This initiative enabled 40 young adults aged 19-30 to join the UNICEF team through @UNVolunteers. Empowering #youth and fostering professional growth through volunteering. https://t.co/Gyjm2jRffD https://t.co/6wsfG7JtxV

UNV_ROWCA

RT @UNVolunteers: Meet Astrini Simanjuntak, Denny Beryan Saputra & Annirrahmah - 3 Indonesian UN #Volunteers who stepped outside their comfort zones to serve a global purpose-promoting peace & development, from DR Congo to Somalia & Thailand. @UNV_ESARO @UNV_ROWCA, @UNHCRSom https://t.co/y4VSoxqgZ4

UNV_ROWCA

#LesVolontairesDuMois🇨🇩🇨🇩 Du secteur privé à l'aviation africaine 🛫 aux ministères publics de l'Environnement 🌿 et du Genre 🚺, Jonathan est un talent polyvalent! En tant que #JeuneChampion de l'@UNICEFDRC, il défend les droits des enfants et inspire la prochaine génération🙌! https://t.co/m0JQHtXwOE

UNV_ROWCA

Au cœur des opérations #humanitaires, Abdel Madjid crée des ponts linguistiques🔡. Son rôle en tant qu'interprète des consignes dans la langue locale (boudouma et kanembou🇹🇩) renforce la participation des #comunautés et garantit que chaque voix soit entendue. #QuoiQuilArrive https://t.co/bE1zhr9tdF

UNV_ROWCA

Empowering change through digital compassion💻! In Niger🇳🇪, 1⃣0⃣0⃣ #OnlinVolunteers, partnering with @UNHCRNiger & @UNVolunteers, are driving change through social media for #RefugeeRights and #SDG10, reducing inequalities. #WithRefugees 🕊️ 🔗https://t.co/wOmAs2zPjN https://t.co/1Y3IQYRExk

UNV_ROWCA

#MondayMotivation Rise and shine, it's a new week! Your determination is the key to unlocking what you want to achieve. Push forward and let your Monday drive your week. https://t.co/ALg16jyTUV

UNV_ROWCA

Meet Viviane Madedjimngar, a true champion of compassion in #LacTchad 🇹🇩. She shows that kindness can transcend borders and have a powerful impact through her role in managing payments for Cash For Work. #NoMatterWhat #WHD2023 https://t.co/xX7B2UjNeg

UNV_ROWCA

UNV Regional Websites

UNV Regional Websites

UNV ON SOCIAL MEDIA

UNV in West and Central Africa