"The UNV Partnerships Forum has lived up to its theme—Innovation for Volunteer Action," said UNV's Executive Coordinator Richard Dictus as he closed the event held in Bonn, Germany on 30 September and 1 October 2014.  Attracting more than 100 people from around the world, participants discussed the theme, within a stone's throw of UNV headquarters, in the historic Wasserwerk (meaning "waterworks") building which housed the German Parliament from 1986 to 1992..

During its first Partnerships Forum, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme signed a new cost sharing agreement with Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) of Japan. In this new agreement, Kwansei Gakuin University pledges to support UNV’s activities in Japan. This Agreement was signed by Professor Takahiro Shinyo, the Vice President of KGU.

During its first Partnerships Forum, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme signed a new cost sharing agreement with Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) of Japan. In this new agreement, Kwansei Gakuin University pledges to support UNV’s activities in Japan. This Agreement was signed by Professor Takahiro Shinyo, the Vice President of KGU.

Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools the United Nations uses to maintain international peace and security throughout the world. UN Peacekeepers provide security and the political and peacebuilding support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace. Today is a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

Mr. Shinichi Iida, Director of Global Issues Cooperation Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and his team visited the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme headquarters in Bonn to have a strategic dialogue with UNV on 18 March 2014. Japan has affirmed that five priority areas in the UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 are aligned with the Japanese Overseas Development Aid (ODA) priorities.

Mr. Shinichi Iida, Director of Global Issues Cooperation Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan and his team visited the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme headquarters in Bonn to have a strategic dialogue with UNV on 18 March 2014. Japan has affirmed that five priority areas in the UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 are aligned with the Japanese Overseas Development Aid (ODA) priorities.

From May to December 2012, UN Volunteers in Juba deployed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were active in an Emergency Return and Reintegration Operation of South Sudanese Returnees.   The two part operation successfully achieved the emergency return of 12,000 returnees and the emergency reintegration of 1,600 returnees to South Sudan.

Youth development is one of the most important issues on the global agenda for peace and sustainable development. About 65 per cent of the total population of Africa is below the age of 35, and over 35 per cent is between 15 and 35. Volunteerism offers valuable opportunities for youth to engage and contribute to the development of peaceful and inclusive societies. It also allows young people to become active empowered citizens, to acquire skills, build their capacities and increase their employability.

On Monday 29 April, UNV Executive Coordinator Richard Dictus briefed Member States and Permanent Observers to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Richard joined the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs for the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs, Thomas Stelzer, in updating ECOSOC on the progress made on the Secretary-General’s Five-Year Action Agenda as it relates to youth.

In Albania, the country with the highest percentage of youth in Southeast Europe, Roma youth face heavy discrimination. Their exclusion from sports competitions, school events, vocational training and community life often has a negative impact on their self-confidence.