The Executive Board recognizes the achievements of the UNV programme in articulating and advocating, including through innovative partnerships and networking, the importance of the contributions of volunteerism, in particular the role it plays towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Also, the Executive Board encourages governments to contribute to the Special Voluntary Fund to enable UNV to further explore, expand and strengthen the role of volunteerism and volunteer contributions to development.

This Report addresses the activities of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) during 2002-2003 and highlights the challenges ahead. The biennium was marked by continued dynamic growth, an evolution of the culture of partnership and networking, and a strategic decision to reinforce the added value of volunteerism in all UNV operations, building on the momentum created by the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001. The contribution of UNV is articulated through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the UNDP multi-year funding framework (MYFF).

The Executive Board expresses appreciation for the activities of the United Nations Volunteers programme during the 2000-2001 biennium and the achievement for the first time of over 5,000 serving volunteers in its thirtieth anniversary year. Furthermore, the Executive Board Commends the United Nations Volunteers programme on its work as focal point for the International Year of Volunteers and encourages its continued support for the recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of volunteering.

Corrigendum - Page 20, Annex III of DP/2002/18

The Report provides an overview of the principle characteristics and achievements of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme during the biennium 2000-2001 and identifies some of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The opportunities opened up by the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV 2001), anticipated in the report for the previous biennium, have become a reality.

The Executive Board reaffirms the importance as well as the value-added of the United Nations Volunteers programme at the global, regional and national levels, including in poverty reduction, electoral support and the promotion of South-South collaboration. Furthermore, the Executive Board supports the relevant bridging role that UNV volunteers can play in the transition from humanitarian assistance to reconstruction and rehabilitation and to longer-term sustainable development.

The Report gives an overview of the key features and achievements of the work of the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) over the last two years. It also highlights the Programme’s vision and strategic directions as it charts its course in a changing world in which the importance of volunteer contributions to the development of peaceful and prosperous societies is increasingly recognized.

Multi-year funding framework and support budget estimates for the biennium 2000-2001.

The Executive Board notes the diversity in the range of work of the United Nations Volunteers and their roles, the growth of the United Nations Volunteers Programme overall, and in particular, the achievement of reaching the largest number of the serving volunteers. In addition, the Executive Board welcomes the decision to proclaim 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers.

Budget estimates for the biennium 1998-1999 - Approves the proposal by the Administrator as contained in paragraphs 103 to 114 of document DP/1997/23 on the staffing formula for adding supplementary stuff at United Nations Volunteers headquarters