A UN Volunteer's journey in south-eastern Mauritania Sitting by the window on my first flight with the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) en route to Bassikounou, in the south-eastern part of the country, all I could see was the vast Sahara Desert. As I got off the airplane during a stop-over in Kiffa, heat blew into my face. The sand was playing with the wind. There was no shade. And it was about 45 degrees Celsius. The question on my mind was: how can people survive — and thrive — in a desert?  

Paolo Marengo (38, Italy) is a UN Volunteer Project Associate supporting the UNEP Regional Office for West Asia, in Manama, Bahrain. Paolo began serving with UNEP in February of this year and is already contributing to the implementation of the Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs) initiative.

Having earned a master’s degree in Migration Studies, Ken thought that the UN project dealing with border control issues was strongly relevant to his interest. Now, as a UN Volunteer, he is contributing to meaningful changes in this area. As part of his assignment, which involves countering narcotics, Ken supports assessment and monitoring in the beneficiaries’ field office, drafting mission reports and preparing related team events.

The 12th of August marks, every year, a day to celebrate and promote young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful and equitable engagement.  This year's theme, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, highlights the success of global efforts through the meaningful participation of young people.

While based in the Sahel - the most youthful region in the world, with 64.5% of youth aged under 25 [1] - I have had the opportunity to witness how youth volunteerism can empower young people and provide them with opportunities to actively participate in local, national, regional and global development activities.

As socio-economic challenges continue to overshadow the country’s democratic transition since the Jasmine Revolution of 2011, multiple initiatives are attempting to further build bridges between citizens, particularly young people, and state institutions. These are acting as catalysts for development and social inclusion, especially in the disadvantaged regions of Tunisia.

UN Volunteers Frans Elinder (Sweden), Sohee Lee (South Korea), Usitha Rajeevan, Prabuddha Boralugoda, Sanaaree Manoratna, and Sathsara Deyalage (Sri Lanka), are from different countries and regions but have one thing in common: they are all serving with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit his native country of Burundi, Landry Irambona found a way to help respond to this crisis through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. As a UN Volunteer with UNDP Burundi, Irambona took up the opportunity to serve as a Finance Assistant for the Global Fund to Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, where he has been providing invaluable services during the pandemic.

Peace is a broad word — it covers general domains of providing access to justice and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. It also refers to specific United Nations mandates that are being implemented under peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions.  While the role of the UN in maintaining and restoring peace is pivotal in laying the foundations for a peaceful world, it is also important to note the role of young people, who are active agents of change.