Volunteering brings benefits to both society at large and the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically as well as socially. It contributes to more cohesive societies by building trust and reciprocity among citizens. The United Nations Volunteers is the United Nations organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. 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.

The United Nations Volunteers is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. The UNV programme has been present in Afghanistan since 1989 and since then more than 1000 International National and TOKTEN UN Volunteers have contributed to the reconstruction and development in Afghanistan by supporting relief, humanitarian and capacity building programs, and the Voter Registration and the Electoral Assistance projects, in preparation for Afghanistan’s first presidential and parliamentary elections.

United Nations Volunteers is administered by the United Nations Development Programme.

“Volunteering has two major benefits. First, an economic one: volunteering makes an important economic contribution to society. Activities undertaken by volunteers would otherwise have to be funded by the state or by private capital. Volunteering adds to the overall economic output of a country and reduces the burden on government spending. But volunteering has a second and perhaps more important benefit. Volunteering helps in the building of strong and cohesive communities. It fosters trust between citizens and helps develop norms of solidarity and reciprocity which are essential to stable communities. Moreover, by helping to build this 'social capital' volunteering also plays a role in economic regeneration".

Justin Davis Smith

UN volunteers in Afghanistan receive The Peacemaker Award

"The Peacemaker Award is very special to the UNV programme and the UN Volunteers who have earned it," says Mr. Gilroy. "Quite often, the people behind the missions the United Nations and international community are asked to undertake, be it the Afghan or Iraqi elections, are not adequately recognized. This award highlights their dedication and desire to help the afflicted populations move towards a more peaceful life and promising future."

1st UNV Retreat in Afghanistan

On Friday and Saturday, 09-10 June 2006, more than 60 UN Volunteers from different parts of Afghanistan joined on a single platform for the first Retreat of UN Volunteers at the UNICEF Conference Room, UNOCA Compound, and Kabul, Afghanistan. The Retreat was inaugurated by the Residential Representative of United Nations in Afghanistan, Mrs. Ameera Haque. The objectives of the program were to promote voluntarism, bring MDGs top of mind, share experiences of the UN Volunteers and chalk out new directions for more contribution to the development of the country. The event was very successful and volunteers got a renewed view of their assignments.

The private sector players have also joined to make this event a success. AWCC, a local mobile phone operator is the sponsor of the Retreat. R&A International, a private Procurement, Logistic & Catering Service provider has also joined to treat the volunteers. The participation and contribution of the private sector players has given the event a new dimension