LocationsCelebrating the work of UN Volunteers
"If you can help, just help."
December 3, 2025
Thousands UNVs mobilize every year to support the UN, governments and civil societies in up to 170 countries and in a vast range of circumstances and programmes.
Photo: UNV
“We are not just numbers or headlines. We are people: mothers, fathers, children—trying to survive and protect one another in impossible conditions.” - Tasneem Aboalkomboz
Tasneem, 27, is a doctor serving as a UN Volunteer (UNV) in Gaza. Combining medical knowledge with humanitarian work she provides medical advice to families and connects UNDP with local groups responding to crises.
“My medical background helps me spot health risks. I work with a larger team to organize health-related projects and build partnerships with outside groups.”
Tasneem is just one of thousands of UNVs who mobilize every year to support the UN, governments and civil societies in up to 170 countries and in a vast range of circumstances and programmes.
Tasneem, 27, combines medical knowledge with humanitarian work for UNV in Gaza.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
UNV began operations on 1 January 1971. Supported by UNDP it is one of the main driving forces for sustainable development. It spans the globe and is constantly evolving to meet new and ever more complex challenges.
UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.
2026 has been designated as International Volunteer Year, underscoring the vital role volunteers play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering community engagement and collective action, volunteering contributes meaningfully to long-term development.
UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it.
Photo: UNDP
In Gabon 22 UNVs, including members of the Pygmy community, one of Gabon’s most underrepresented groups, are at the heart of a six-year initiative backed by the Global Environment Facility to protect plants and document farming and forest customs.
UNV Simon Stevan Ndong Ekome, is based in Tchibanga and leads campaigns that have reached over 500 people. He trains communities to protect biodiversity and educates about environmental laws.
“When communities see their knowledge being written down, it builds trust," he says.
UNV is expanding its roles to meet emerging technologies. Online Volunteers are skilled in communication, education, social work, economics, finance, information technology and health.
UNVs in Gabon head a six-year initiative backed by the Global Environment Facility to protect plants and to document farming and forest customs.
Photo: UNDP Gabon
In Asia Pacific more than 280 online volunteers have supported a study on how to build a more supportive environment for young entrepreneurs in the region, especially those from underserved communities. From Margins to Mainstream: Inclusive Youth Entrepreneurship in the Asia Pacific Region was produced by Youth Co: Lab, and co-led by UNDP and the Citi Foundation, in partnership with the World Bank.
Qiaoran Wang is a student from Shandong Daxue University in China and an entrepreneur who contributed to the study.
"This volunteer assignment allowed me to witness the UN efforts to support young entrepreneurs and understand their challenges," she said.
Volunteers play a vital role in responding to humanitarian emergencies and driving progress toward a more resilient world.
In Asia Pacfic more than 280 online volunteers have supported a study on how to build a more supportive environment for young entrepreneurs in the region, especially those from underserved communities.
Photo: UNDP China
Since war broke out in Ukraine in 2022 there are growing needs from urgent first aid to long-term support, such as psychosocial care, language lessons and livelihoods. Volunteers are among the first responders during crises and emergency response. "If you can help, just help," says Kostiantyn Boreiko, who volunteered with UNDP as a Programme Finance Associate. “Online or offline, psychological support and educational programmes are necessary. It’s also helpful to open up physical health centres for vulnerable groups.”
UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced volunteers, throughout the world.
UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming.
Photo: Ukraine
It has created a new life path for Atsushi Murata, the first Japanese national over the age of 60 to be deployed by UNV. Atsushi had retired and thought his working life was over when he stumbled on UNV by accident.
From Chiba city in Japan and based now in Djibouti, he supports agricultural businesses and food security caused by climate change and drought in sub-Saharan Africa.
“It’s the start of a career I never imagined,” he said. “I always wanted to do work that contributes to society.”
Everyone has a role to play in the International Volunteer Year 2026 and there is a need to recognize and measure the contribution of all volunteers, whether they’re part of an organization or helping informally, and to strengthen the connection between volunteering and global progress.
Since war broke out in Ukraine in 2022 there are growing needs from urgent first aid to long-term support, such as psychosocial care.
Photo: UNDP
International Volunteer Year also aims to deepen global understanding of volunteerism through research, information-sharing and education, and to address emerging challenges that new models of volunteering are facing.
“I would encourage anyone to volunteer with the UN. It’s a life changing experience, eye-opening and I feel like I developed here as a person. Just go for it and be brave and open to everything.” – Carol, Assistant Gender Analyst, UNDP Barbados and Eastern Caribbean.
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