The Republic of Korea furthers its support for the United Nations Volunteers scheme.

Interview with Olivier Adam, UNV Executive Director, on the occasion of a strategic dialogue with the Korean Foreign Ministry.

“In view of the importance of Korea-UNV cooperation, our government has decided to increase the UNV contribution from US $1.96 million to US $3.15 million and expects to continue our budget contribution in the future,” said Mr Lee Jang-keun, Director General of the International Organizations Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Based on the increase in our contribution, we plan to double the number of UN Volunteer specialists and UN Youth Volunteers fully funded by Korea.”

Today’s dialogue expands the current collaboration – specifically in support of peacebuilding and climate action, two key priority areas for Korea.

“In view of the importance of Korea-UNV cooperation, our government has decided to increase the UNV contribution from US $1.96 million to US $3.15 million and expects to continue our budget contribution in the future,” said Mr Lee Jang-keun, Director General of the International Organizations Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Based on the increase in our contribution, we plan to double the number of UN Volunteer specialists and UN Youth Volunteers fully funded by Korea.”

Today’s dialogue expands the current collaboration – specifically in support of peacebuilding and climate action, two key priority areas for Korea.

Hindprabha mobilizes youth in the district, and talks about her volunteer work: “Over the last year, 16 community youth volunteers were mobilized to work in Palghar district. We focus our efforts on reducing malnutrition deaths in the district. We help identify acutely malnourished children and refer them to a care center. We also help create awareness in the community about causes and ill-effects of malnutrition.”

Toney talks about the situation, “Open defecation poses a serious threat to the health of children in India, with 188,000 children under the age of five dying of diarrhea in the country. I took the risk and without any financial support for advance planning, took on the challenge of mass mobilizing community youth volunteers.” One of the hardest areas to reach is Variyam, a small tribal village nestled in thick forests.

Sangita talks about her volunteer assignment. “Through the project I manage, 12 community youth volunteers implement activities and campaigns to create awareness about women self-help groups, financial literacy and youth participation in government schemes, organize blood donations and health camps.”

Ms. Walsh commented, “What is exciting about the partnership with UNV and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is that it enables young people to bring together the skills and knowledge learned through the Cisco Networking Academy programme and apply them to addressing real social problems and challenges in this region.”