UNV and the Russian MFA meet Russian UN Volunteers at the UN House

On September 10, a meeting took place at the United Nations House with representatives from the UN Volunteer Programme (UNV), UNDP, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, along with participants and alumni of the fully funded UN volunteer program for Russians. The event was held in a hybrid format, allowing participation from volunteers currently working abroad in various UN agencies.

In the UNV presentation, the special contribution of the Russian Federation to the development of the international volunteer movement was highlighted: since 2018, over 60 Russians have gained experience as UN volunteers under the fully funded program in more than 30 countries worldwide within UNDP, IOM, UNICEF, UNOPS, FAO, and other UN system agencies. Moreover, more than half of the Russian alumni of the program continue their careers within the UN.

Participants shared their impressions of their volunteer service and asked various questions, which were answered by Elena Melnik, the First Secretary of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and representatives from UNV — Geraldine Becchi, the Head of the Partnerships Development Department, and specialists from this department, Emiliya Mammadova and Nurai Mamytova. Key topics during the QA session included prospects for the program's development for Russians, extension of current contracts, and planned recruitment of new candidates.

The participants enthusiastically welcomed the announcement of a new five-year agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and UNV until 2029 regarding the annual replenishment of the fully funded volunteer program for Russians. The next recruitment of volunteers is scheduled for November-December 2025.

More about the UNV Full Funding Programme for Russian citizens

Success stories of UN Volunteers from Russia