UNV

UN Volunteers (UNV) programme in BiH

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the volunteer arm of the United Nations. Created by the UN General Assembly in 1970 to serve as an operational partner in development co-operation at the request of UN Member States, the UNV supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilisation of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development by 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 UNV is administered by and reports to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and works through UNDP's country offices around the world.

At the global level, the UNV focuses on governance, health, social inclusion and volunteer infrastructure, placing emphasis on youth, gender and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

UNV presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The UNV programme was established in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in 1996. Past projects and initiatives included: ‘Multisectoral Assistance to War-affected Populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina’, ‘Community Confidence and Capacity Building’ and ‘Riversee: Regional Integration through Volunteer Exchange for Reconciliation in South Eastern Europe’.

The UNV in BiH promotes the beneficial effects of volunteerism - increased trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens - and positive social change within the framework of the country’s EU agenda and the current UN Development Assistance Framework. Current UNV activities in BiH focus on advocating for volunteerism, integrating volunteers in development and mobilising volunteers.