The UNV programme contributes to peace and development by promoting volunteerism worldwide, by encouraging its partners to integrate volunteerism in development programmes and by mobilizing volunteers.

Being a Volunteer

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is based on a strong conviction that volunteerism is a powerful force that gets people involved in tackling development challenges. Everybody can volunteer and offer his or her time, competencies and knowledge to promote peace and development in the world.

Volunteerism’s main contributions are in the economic and social areas; it strengthens societies and builds trust and reciprocity between citizens. Becoming a volunteer can be both difficult and rewarding and can require you to work in a whole new environment. While sharing useful skills, you gain a better understanding of the problems that affect the lives of others.

Volunteering for peace and development

Upon request of the UN agencies, governments and other partners, the UNV programme mobilizes close to 8,000 volunteers who work on development projects and in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

What it means to be a UNV

For information about how to serve as an international UNV in a country other than your country of origin, please visit the UNV website and apply to become a volunteer. For information about serving as a UNV in your country, please contact the local office of the UNV programme or UNDP.

You can also contribute to sustainable development and support the activities of development organizations through the UNV Online Volunteering Service.

For information about the requirements to become an online volunteer and on how the UNV Online Volunteering Service works, please visit www.onlinevolunteering.org.

For more information

To learn more about the different ways to volunteer, register and become a UNV, please visit www.unv.org