Sustainability is something we can't stop talking about. It's at the forefront of conversations and dialogues. So was the case for my volunteer assignment—promoting sustainable development guidelines in project planning and execution.

UNV has partnered with the Mayor’s Office in Cali, the host city of the event, to implement a strategy to mobilize volunteers for the event.   More than 1,200 people joined the training sessions in September to learn about how to volunteer for COP 16 and key topics such as biodiversity and sustainable development. Approximately 850 people will be selected to volunteer at this major event." Sandra Lino, UN Expert Volunteer for COP 16 volunteer mobilization. 

Chawanagwa Nyirenda's grassroots experience with 14 communities in Malawi on climate change adaptation led him to the Young Talent Pipeline.

This joint partnership initiative between UNEP and UNV has a twin objective: To deploy the second cohort of 13 young talented individuals in areas related to UNEP's mandate. To seek candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. If you are 33 years of age or younger, check out the assignment opportunities. Women and individuals from marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

With land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience at the core — MONUSCO's Environmental Protection Unit includes cleaning sites and handing them over to landowners — tasks that Wanjiku and Kebbeh are responsible for in their volunteer assignments. 

In an interview at UNV Headquarters, Armen Grigoryan shares, "Volunteering is a growing concept in North Macedonia as it contributes to the improved quality of life through the active involvement of people in social life. UN Volunteers can advocate for the importance of volunteerism in the communities and workplaces especially in the support of public institutions, state bodies, local self-government units and the City of Skopje in many areas, as well the disaster risk management, environment protection issues, good governance and inclusion.

UN Volunteers are Marine Reserve Rangers at the Aqaba Marine Reserve in the port city of Aqaba in Jordan. As part of the project's activities, they patrol the reserve’s beaches, and complement their service by offering educational programmes and engaging in research initiatives.  Serving with the Awareness and Public Relations Department, Bdour Abu-Bader supports educational initiatives for the local community ranging from beach clean-up campaigns to maintaining social media platforms. She also supports the operational responsibilities at the reserve.

As we are leaving the third year of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration behind us, UNCCD is introducing innovative ways to combat climate change and its effects. Keeping technological developments in focus, the Land Restoration Information Hub aims to provide easy access to information and encourage collaboration and engagement by collecting data and best practices on one platform.

With the spirit of volunteering deeply rooted in her, Fatouma has always had the drive to empower young people. Her journey started in Geneva where she interned with the Permanent Mission of Djibouti to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Armed with knowledge and experience, and having youth empowerment at heart, she returned to Djibouti to volunteer as Regional Coordinator and Youth Development Delegate with UNDP. Within her assignment, she has been implementing the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) in her country since 2021.

With a wealth of knowledge and skills, Liudmyla always felt a calling to serve in places where help was most needed. Through her assignment, she strives to reduce waste and prevent the harmful effects of open waste burning, which causes air pollution and jeopardizes public health in Central, Eastern, Western Equatoria and Jonglei States.