The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme provides global citizens with an opportunity to volunteer across the three pillars of the United Nations system: development; peace and security; and human rights. This annual report presents UNV performance in delivering on its system-wide mandate during 2021. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of UNV in 2021, the report captures reflections on key achievements since the first United Nations Volunteers were deployed, in 1971. The present report is complemented by the following annexes: (a) List of United Nations system entities hosting United Nations Volunteers; (b) Statistical overview; (c) Financial overview; (d) Annual performance indicators; and (e) Strategic Framework (2022-2025) results matrix with defined baselines and targets.

The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) provides global citizens with an opportunity to volunteer across the three pillars of the United Nations system: development; peace and security; and human rights. This annual report discusses the performance of UNV in 2022, the first year of its new Strategic Framework, 2022-2025, and the contribution of UNV to the emergency response efforts of United Nations system around the world. Information on annual performance indicators, the United Nations system entities hosting United Nations Volunteers and the statistical and financial overviews may be found in annexes I–IV on the Executive Board website.