The two partners exchanged on their collaboration on UNV’s Full Funding programme, under which Norec funds UN Volunteer assignments for Norwegian nationals.

Recognizing Sida’s catalytic support to UNV, the two partners explored ways to further engage in support of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Sida appreciates UNV as a flexible partner. It is impressive what UNV does and how UNV reports on results, including its digital and data spaces. – Alan AtKisson, Head of Sida’s Department for Partnerships and Innovation

Good afternoon, On behalf of the United Nations Volunteers programme, I am very happy to be here in Mexico City today, on the occasion of International Volunteer Day. Let me start by greeting our Volunteers – today is all about you and the incredible work you are doing here in Mexico.

I have come to you today with an open mind, an open heart and open hands. I have come with an open mind, because this is the first visit of the head of UNV to Yemen since 1982. Forty years is a long time. There is a lot to reconnect, to absorb and to adjust. Last week, my father called me from Moscow and asked where I was going. I said, I am going to Yemen. He was happy to hear that and asked me if I knew that Yemen is one of only ten countries mentioned in the Holy Q’uran.

Over a billion people volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve their communities. From providing practical support to vulnerable children and adults to advising on sophisticated technical and legal issues, volunteers are present at all levels of society. Each one brings a specific set of skills to their tasks. To mark this occasion, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed sends a message of thanks to volunteers, who, she says, "bring concrete solutions to development challenges and for the common good."

UNICEF's Division of Human Resources collaborated with the Capacity Development Team of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and experienced career coaches to boost the confidence and skills of their UN Volunteers. In two live sessions, UN Volunteers hosted at UNICEF offices globally received useful resources, advice and tips on career management. In addition, they connected with the global UNV community and engaged with UNICEF's Talent Programmes and Partnership Team.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme's slogan for this IVD – Together, Act Now – highlights the value of volunteers and their ability to create positive change. Events to mark the day are held in every region of the world, bringing together volunteers, governments, and civil society to celebrate the spirit of volunteering. This IVD, UNV encourages all our partners to join us in our campaign, with the associated hashtag #TogetherActNow.

As the UN agency focused on sexual health and reproductive rights, UNFPA's mandate spans many areas – from maternal health to gender-based violence. With the Youth Innovator Fellows on board, the agency has gained a strong group of advocates and implementers. What does the day-to-day work of a Young Innovator Fellow look like? It turns out the projects are as diverse as the Young Innovators themselves. Yet innovation is the thread that binds.

As part of UNV's ambitious Digital Transformation programme, the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) offers a remarkable feature, namely AI-guided candidate matching.