With a wealth of knowledge and skills, Liudmyla always felt a calling to serve in places where help was most needed. Through her assignment, she strives to reduce waste and prevent the harmful effects of open waste burning, which causes air pollution and jeopardizes public health in Central, Eastern, Western Equatoria and Jonglei States.

What inspired you to join UNMISS as a UN Volunteer? 

"Coming from an underprivileged background myself, I have always been passionate about helping communities like the one I grew up in when it comes to promoting local development and respect for human rights. Being a UN Volunteer has given me an opportunity to do so, and in a multicultural context to boot," the experienced advocate and community mobilizer says. 

You could say that peace begins with healthcare. This is our way of supporting the ongoing peace efforts in the country, hoping that the handing over of all of this will lead to the people of Jonglei getting improved access to basic medical care. --Maria Guadalupe, one of the peacekeepers, on behalf of all volunteers involved in the generous initiative Doctor Ajak Garang affirmed that the unexpected assistance will make the intended difference, not least the extra beds.

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.

From 19-22 September, Ms Kyoko Yokosuka, UNV Deputy Executive Coordinator, visited South Sudan to meet with partners and UN Volunteers serving in the country.

What are the key highlights of your assignment, and who do you interact with in your daily work?

My name is Wipanee Chamnanphaison, and I am a UN Volunteer from Thailand. Since February 2022, I have been serving as a Human Rights Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). I am based in the Human Rights Division as part of the Capacity-building and International Mechanism unit.

Over the past five months, I have had the privilege to serve with UNMISS as a volunteer. I support a diverse and passionate team of peacekeepers who create a secure environment for the voluntary and dignified return and reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees displaced during South Sudan’s civil war, or more recently due to climate-induced disasters and inter-communal clashes.

The fourth State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR), Building Equal and Inclusive Societies, is designed to strengthen understanding on volunteerism and demonstrate its universality, scope, and reach in the twenty-first century.