The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is the volunteer arm of the United Nations. It was created by the UN General Assembly in 1970 to serve as an operational partner in development cooperation at the request of UN member states.

The United Nations Volunteers is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers.

UN Volunteers are the "human face" of the UN development efforts.

It serves the causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. It values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism.

Volunteering brings benefits to both society at large and the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically as well as socially. It contributes to a more cohesive society by building trust and reciprocity among citizens.

UNV reports to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and works through UNDP's country offices around the world. UN Volunteers are often described as the "human face" of the UN development efforts.

They are on the frontline of development, working every day with communities, with people, and making impacts on lives. They are qualified professionals, on average with 10 years of experience, who are committed to working and sharing knowledge both in their own countries and abroad.

More information at: www.unv.org