UNV makes distinctive contributions to the effectiveness of development programmes. We apply the concept of Volunteerism For Development (V4D) by advocating the benefits of civic engagement, integrating volunteerism into development programmes, and organizing thousands of volunteers every year for development projects and humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

UNV helps countries to foster and develop volunteerism and we provide strategic advice on the role and contribution of volunteerism and the options for integrating citizens into development programmes. We help countries to improve public inclusion and participation in social, economic and political development. UNV also supports the growth of volunteerism within communities as a form of mutual self-help. We partner with governments and with UN, non-profit and private sector organizations in order to involve citizens in development. UNV delivers a prompt, efficient and value-adding service to identify and deliver expertise for development projects. We enable the rapid and effective engagement of professionals who can deliver services and fulfill a wide range of specialized tasks.

UNV directly mobilizes more than 7,000 UNV volunteers every year nationally and internationally. UNV volunteers improve the delivery of services and access to opportunities and services. We supply pre-qualified volunteers from a roster of more than 50,000 experienced professionals for long-term development work and we also provide volunteers at short notice for peacekeeping and humanitarian projects and to help organize and run local and national elections. UNV also operates a service, www.onlinevolunteer.org, that connects development organizations directly with thousands of other volunteers who can provide services and advice over the internet.