The two partners exchanged on their collaboration on UNV’s Full Funding programme, under which Norec funds UN Volunteer assignments for Norwegian nationals.

Recognizing Sida’s catalytic support to UNV, the two partners explored ways to further engage in support of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Sida appreciates UNV as a flexible partner. It is impressive what UNV does and how UNV reports on results, including its digital and data spaces. – Alan AtKisson, Head of Sida’s Department for Partnerships and Innovation

Good afternoon, On behalf of the United Nations Volunteers programme, I am very happy to be here in Mexico City today, on the occasion of International Volunteer Day. Let me start by greeting our Volunteers – today is all about you and the incredible work you are doing here in Mexico.

I have come to you today with an open mind, an open heart and open hands. I have come with an open mind, because this is the first visit of the head of UNV to Yemen since 1982. Forty years is a long time. There is a lot to reconnect, to absorb and to adjust. Last week, my father called me from Moscow and asked where I was going. I said, I am going to Yemen. He was happy to hear that and asked me if I knew that Yemen is one of only ten countries mentioned in the Holy Q’uran.

People together in raves  – not to dance only this time but to also clear debris and begin rebuilding – all to the beat of a DJ set.

Over a billion people volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve their communities. From providing practical support to vulnerable children and adults to advising on sophisticated technical and legal issues, volunteers are present at all levels of society. Each one brings a specific set of skills to their tasks. To mark this occasion, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed sends a message of thanks to volunteers, who, she says, "bring concrete solutions to development challenges and for the common good."

Volunteering is not just about responding to an immediate crisis. It's also about making sure the affected population is well on its way, sustaining itself.

One volunteer is Omar Basam Abu Hamad. At 22, Omar is a paramedic and a qualified teacher. He lives in Al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron in the West Bank, where there is only one health center to meet the needs of 9,500 people. Omar and other volunteers provide health services, including psychological support, to people living in refugee camps.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme's slogan for this IVD – Together, Act Now – highlights the value of volunteers and their ability to create positive change. Events to mark the day are held in every region of the world, bringing together volunteers, governments, and civil society to celebrate the spirit of volunteering. This IVD, UNV encourages all our partners to join us in our campaign, with the associated hashtag #TogetherActNow.

Refugee UN Volunteers are integral and invaluable members of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) team in Slovakia. They mirror to UNHCR colleagues the day-to-day life, challenges and resilience of Ukrainian refugees. Tetiana Korshun and Olena Bilinska, UN Volunteer Protection Assistants with UNHCR in Slovakia,​​​ are based in Kosice and Bratislava, respectively. They support UNHCR in communicating with refugee communities.