UN Volunteers strengthen civil service effectiveness through digitalization and innovation in the public sector
Meet Temirlan, Nazym, Symbat and Zhanel, four national UN Volunteers who support civil service effectiveness in Kazakhstan. Placed with the Astana Civil Service Hub (ACSH), they service a virtual alliance and knowledge platform that underpins the efforts of government in building institutional and human capacity.
The Astana Civil Service Hub (ACSH) has been a flagship initiative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Kazakhstan since 2013. Some 42 countries participate in this knowledge exchange platform.
UN Volunteers in safe spaces: helping refugee women and youth on the move
In the months since the start of the war in Ukraine, UN Volunteers have provided mental health, psychosocial support, first aid and access to health care to those affected. These volunteers serve with UN partners in countries neighbouring Ukraine. In Romania and Moldova, UN Volunteers support the safe space initiatives of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
UNICEF and UNHCR, in partnership with governments and civil society organizations, have set up 26 Blue Dot safe spaces for children and women in bordering countries, each able to provide relief for 3,000-5,000 people per day. They are also mobilizing to treat the mental and emotional damage caused by the conflict.
In Romania, Marina Feher became a national UN Volunteer with UNICEF to help the Blue Dot initiative, focusing on refugees in Isaccea, Tulcea and Galati areas.