Mehmet Onat Sarıtaş, UN Volunteer with UNICEF in Türkiye supports the design and implementation of climate change-related programmes.
Mehmet Onat Sarıtaş, UN Volunteer with UNICEF in Türkiye supports the design and implementation of climate change-related programmes.

Torchbearers of today, leaders of tomorrow

Diana Assenova, Mehmet Onat Sarıtaş and Madinabonu Salaidinova have one thing in common — They are young volunteers who believe that progress cannot be made without youth. Let's hear from them in their own words.

“By investing in education, building the capacity of community members, and fostering global citizenship, young people play a crucial role in creating a better future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for generations to come.” The words of Diana Assenova, a UN Volunteer Education Assistant with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Kazakhstan resonate with the importance of youth and progress.

Diana focuses on the rights of youth refugees by making sure they have equal access to education. She coordinates the DAFI Scholarship Programme, through which, young refugees get education support. She encourages many more opportunities for education for refugee youth in Kazakhstan via awareness and advocacy campaigns.

The enthusiasm of youth propels her efforts — she recounts how she volunteered to organize a summer camp for teenagers from the displaced population.

The energy of working together with young people was unforgettable! This reaffirmed my dedication to making a positive impact through volunteerism.” Diana Assenova, UN Volunteer with UNHCR Kazakhstan

Collaboration between stakeholders is key if we are to shift attitudes towards refugees in Kazakhstan, says Diana. Everyone working together — such as the youth volunteers from NGOs, universities, and other UN entities. "I work with diverse groups of people in my assignment and believe that everyone, including youth, can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals.”

Another young and skilled UN Volunteer is Mehmet Onat Sarıtaş who serves with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Türkiye as an Adolescent Development and Participation Assistant.

Onat is witness to the disproportionate impact of climate change on the lives of children and adolescents in Türkiye and that is when he decided to volunteer. He values collective volunteer action to create a greener world for children.

I saw the exemplary work of my volunteer colleagues and the connection among them. Not only were they contributing to UNICEF’s mandate, but they had a high level of enthusiasm and genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people.” Mehmet Onat Sarıtaş, UN Volunteer with UNICEF Türkiye.

Onat supports the design and implementation of environment-related projects. He also coordinates UNICEF’s climate-focused youth platforms, performs administrative tasks and collects data.

Youth platforms give Onat the opportunity for peer-to-peer support and technical assistance to young people. This close communication and learning has helped strengthen UNICEF’s relations with young people, he notes.

Next, we have the voice of UN Volunteer, Madinabonu Salaidinova, “I focus on increasing the engagement of young leaders from the south of Kyrgyzstan in civic activism and strengthening their potential to promote human rights.”

Madinabonu serves as a Legal and Monitoring Volunteer with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan.

She monitors media channels, observes trials, and engages with the government and civil society partners, including human rights defenders. She also responds to individual complaints of alleged human rights violations submitted to OHCHR from five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. 

Being familiar with the UN Human Rights Instruments and Mechanisms, Madinabonu deems locally-led solutions as effective in safeguarding human rights. 

Including youth in decision-making is crucial, says Madinabonu. She feels that her voice is heard and appreciated. This gives her momentum to bring her ideas to fruition.

I appreciate that OHCHR gives me opportunities to integrate my interests and ideas into my work. I feel that I'm where I'm supposed to be right now.” Madinabonu Salaidinova, UN Volunteer with OHCHR Kyrgyzstan.

UN Youth Volunteers serve in various fields — from supporting education in underserved areas to developing community solutions for health and well-being, and from providing humanitarian assistance to expanding the space for youth. 

International Youth Day is a call to action! Support youth empowerment. Advocate for the rights of youth. Create opportunities for youth make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. It's a reminder that youth has potential so it's important to invest in their education, skills and leadership.” Diana Assenova, UN Volunteer with UNHCR Kazakhstan.