SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: Zero hunger, SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate change, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
A former combatant of an armed militia now runs sewing workshops to support her children. A senior retiree embarks on a second career as a volunteer, aiding agricultural businesses and enhancing food security. In remote forests, volunteers conduct malaria surveillance to curb its spread.
18 March 2025
Global
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
“As a Hmong woman with a physical disability, meaningful participation has been one of my major barriers,” Seevue says. She supports the UNDP Disability Inclusion portfolio in its work with the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and actively promotes raising awareness on leaving no one behind.
08 March 2025
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
I never imagined how deeply volunteering could change my life. Like many, I once thought of it as something purely humanitarian, offering a helping hand in times of crisis and bringing relief to those in need. But stepping into the world of gender advocacy and women’s empowerment through UN Women has redefined what it means to be a volunteer.
07 March 2025
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
In a remote village in Zambia, I am not just building infrastructure, I am building resilience, relationships, and respect.
Every day, I wake up to lush landscapes, fresh air, and the voices of a community that, at first, was unsure about my presence.
For me, volunteerism is all about authenticity, excellence, and integrity. It means embracing the environment I find myself in, accepting the reality of working in communities, and finding purpose beyond my comfort zone.
06 March 2025
East and Southern Africa
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Noemi started volunteering at a very young age. At 14, she was already raising awareness of gender equality. “The personal reward of seeing change in people has always driven me,” says Noemi, an economist now.
05 March 2025
Latin America and the Caribbean
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Seven of the nine UN Volunteers who serve with UNICEF in Iraq are women. Their roles include Communications, Human Resources, Resource Mobilization, and Youth Engagement. Four of these women are part of Young Arab Women Talents initiative. Started in 2022, this partnership between UNICEF and UNV creates leadership opportunities for young women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
05 March 2025
Arab States
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
Early warning and response mechanisms to prevent the escalation of conflicts is the core of Alizée's volunteer assignment. She has contributed to the Early Warning and Early Response system in Kaduna State in North-western Nigeria, and thus helped establish local peace committees to mediate community disputes.
04 March 2025
West and Central Africa
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
03 March 2025
Europe and Central Asia
Exposure story
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
A linguist in Thailand, Busawan Kachonnarongvanish has a Bachelor's degree in Arts and a Master's degree in Economics and Development Studies. “Tasked to translate survey dissemination guidance from English to Thai, I have gained insights into best practices for data collection centered on the principle of upholding empathy and respondent confidentiality. Translating collected responses from Thai to English opened my eyes to a myriad of challenges that the target audience has encountered.
03 March 2025
Asia and the Pacific
Success stories
SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
My volunteering journey wasn’t a traditional one. I started as a journalist, chasing stories on the streets, driven by curiosity and the power of storytelling. But I wanted more than just reporting; I wanted to be part of the change. That’s when I found United Nations Volunteers. My first role was with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, where I worked as a Communications Officer highlighting peace and justice under Sustainable Development Goal 16.
03 March 2025
East and Southern Africa
Success stories