Many are drawn to volunteerism later in life as a way to contribute and give back to the societies and communities around them. For others, volunteering is a way to fulfil long-held ambitions, explore new fields of work and develop new skills. Whatever their motivation, the work of UNV’s partners and the places they live are enriched by the contributions of more than 600 older volunteers undertaking national and international assignments across the world. 

The big problems of the world are usually solved in partnership – and the problems confronting sustainable development are no different. The global response to COVID-19 has given us many examples of partnerships in action.

A skilled mediator and diplomat remembered for his advocacy for decolonization and his dedication to international cooperation, Hammarskjöld’s efforts saw the UN through a period of intense change in an era characterized by great power competition.

In 1992, I, and many others from all around the world, landed in Cambodia as part of the staggered deployment of around 700 United Nations Volunteers to support the Cambodian elections. 

Prior to her current appointment, Kyoko was the Chief of the UNV External Relations and Communication Section (ERCS) from July 2019.

During my 33 years of service in the UN, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has never been far from me. Likely because the spirit of UNV – the inspiration that moves people of all ages to act and make a difference in the lives of others – is what the UN itself is all about.

UNV has revised the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers to achieve two objectives: (1) to streamline the administration of UN Volunteers, with minimal changes to the proforma and entitlement packages, and (2) to strengthen equity across UN Volunteer entitlements. 

The two students were engaged through an innovative project entitled “Ditch UNfair internships” – an initiative of UN Human Rights to address barriers and create wider access for diverse students to receive entry-level working experience in Geneva.