Women UN Volunteers lead inclusive climate action in the Arab States
This story highlights the contributions of three women UN Volunteers to climate action in the Arab States. Personal dedication and aspiration to empower young people to act for the future of the planet are visible common threads that mark their work. By raising awareness, mentoring leaders in communities, and developing activities that promote climate-resilient livelihoods; these volunteers are helping lead the way to a more sustainable future.
Natalie Ismail is a UN Youth Volunteer serving as Youth Engagement and Water Scarcity Support Officer with UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, based in Amman, Jordan. She is the focal point for participatory action research in the region. Through this role, Natalie raises awareness and builds the capacity of young people for climate-related issues.
Ensuring sustainability in Abyei for planet and people
Serving in a remote location that can only be reached by helicopter on the border between Sudan and South Sudan is Isabel Ramos (Portugal), an international UN Volunteer Environmental Officer with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). She is one of many women ensuring that UN operations around the world are environmentally responsible.
No two days are alike for Isabel. Her work in the environmental field involves the development of projects that promote sustainability and collaborative work with the local community, including the mission’s civilian and military staff.
UN Volunteers contribute to an inclusive future in Colombia
In Latin America, poverty, armed conflicts and the lack of access to essential services are obstacles to social equality. When it comes to the lives of displaced people, especially children, the vulnerabilities are even higher. On International Social Justice Day, we recognize the importance of volunteerism as a means of inclusion, empowerment and equality for displaced people.
In the region, more than 4.8 million Venezuelans have left the country towards other territories like Peru, where 57 percent live in overcrowded spaces (World Bank, 2020).