SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
A former combatant of an armed militia now runs sewing workshops to support her children. A senior retiree embarks on a second career as a volunteer, aiding agricultural businesses and enhancing food security. In remote forests, volunteers conduct malaria surveillance to curb its spread.
18 March 2025
Global
Success stories
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
The selected logo was designed by Stefan Peters, a freelance designer from Germany. His creation met all the criteria, showcasing originality and visual appeal. The logo's clarity ensures it can be reproduced seamlessly across various dimensions and scales. Most importantly, it effectively symbolizes the role of volunteerism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
20 February 2025
Global
Article
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
My country, Bangladesh was a beginner when I was born. She and I grew up almost together. We have traveled through the caravan of time and experienced transitions of more than four decades now. In all these years, I have seen her moving through the tough tunnels of development dynamics.
19 February 2025
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
But first let’s talk about tea or chai. Last year in a meeting with our senior manager, she asked me definition of a problem. “Anything that cannot be resolved over a cup of tea is a problem” was my answer.
In Pakistani culture, “let’s meet over a cup of tea” is not merely a simple statement. It symbolizes warmth, respect, and care. Tea is an integral part of our society and culture, and as a symbol of hospitality, social bonding, and friendships.
Back to my question now.
13 February 2025
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 4: Quality education
In northeast Nigeria, where conflict has displaced thousands, UN Volunteer Mary Mahdi Bumba works with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as a Digital Literacy Facilitator. Mary’s journey began by addressing the digital gender gap, equipping girls in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and schools with essential tech skills. As her initiative grew, boys and adults joined in, learning practical skills like social media marketing and graphic design.
These tools go beyond the classroom.
27 January 2025
West and Central Africa
Success stories
SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Finland and the full funding partnership with UNV started in 1974 with the signing of an agreement that resulted in the deployment of the first three Finnish nationals as UN Volunteers in 1975—Mirja Heijari with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Yemen as a nurse, Matti Järvinen, a Radio Studio Technician with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Tanzania and Pekka Savinsaari with UN-OTC in Swaziland in a water and se
23 December 2024
Europe and Central Asia
Success stories
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 15: Life on land
Like many young Africans, I saw potential where others saw waste.
The olive by-products often discarded became my inspiration. I embarked on a mission to transform this "waste" into valuable products that sustain both the environment and the people around me. This initiative called OleaRevive isn’t just about sustainability; it’s a story of empowerment.
Through our work, we’ve created opportunities for rural farmers, women, and youth, helping them turn what was once seen as worthless into something meaningful, economically and socially.
13 December 2024
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Hello [ku-zu zang po la].
My name is Toily Kurbanov [Ni gi min Toily Kurbanov in].
I am the head of UN Volunteers. [UN Volunteers gi gupen in la ]
Honorable Prime Minister, Honorable Speaker, Honorable Cabinet Ministers, Honorable Leader of Opposition, Dashos, UN Resident Coordinator, UN Representatives, and most importantly, Desuups and Volunteers—thank you for being here.
Standing here in front of you, I see more than just mountains; I see the people who move them.
05 December 2024
Global
Success stories
SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Whether responding to natural disasters, supporting communities in conflict or working to alleviate poverty, the selflessness and courage of volunteers shine through. And we are reminded that even the smallest acts have the power to change lives.
Our own United Nations Volunteers work to advance peace, justice and equality in 169 countries across the globe. This spirit of solidarity is the lifeblood of the Pact of the Future—adopted in September at the United Nations. The Pact illuminates a path forward grounded in trust and cooperation.
05 December 2024
Global
Success stories
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This milestone offers an opportunity to celebrate volunteers and their contributions on a global stage.
05 December 2024
Global
Article