The spirit of volunteering through learning across Asia-Pacific

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https://unvolunteers.exposure.co/40b498ae362d1ceb9b3cc53d09ff2109

Starting in Myanmar on 25.11

Thirty-two UN Volunteers serving with five UN entities in Myanmar met in Yangon on 25 and 26 November to connect, network, and share best practices with each other.

Ja Dim Marip, UN Volunteer Research Analyst with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Myanmar shared,

“The career management workshop helped me discover my values and strengths, which motivates and inspires me to continue representing the voiceless and the most marginalized groups, including the women and youth.”

Ei Thae Su Han, UN Volunteer Information Management Officer with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Myanmar found that the workshop was a perfect opportunity to hone her public speaking skills and left her with a better understanding of work-life balance. She reflected,

“It also helped me engage with and learn from other UN Volunteers, expanding my network.”

The learning event in Myanmar.

Destination Nepal on 28.11

Twenty four UN Volunteers met in Kathmandu on 28 and 29 November. These volunteers currently serve in Nepal with nine UN entities. The main core of learning—leadership skills to inspire positive change in Nepal and beyond. Fun-filled activities were on top of the agenda during this learning event.

Laxmi Biswakarma, UN Volunteer Programme Assistant with UN Women in Nepal shared,

"True leadership begins with understanding ourselves and serving others with empathy and action."

Prabal Dahal, UN Volunteer Urban Planner and Designer with UN-Habitat in Nepal reflected,

"With a growth mindset, we can embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow."

Moving onto Fiji on 3.12

There were 27 UN Volunteers from 11 UN entities who met in Suva on 3 and 4 December for the learning event. The main focus was communication, storytelling, leadership, and conflict management skills.

UN Volunteers shared their unique volunteering stories from the Pacific Islands. Ilaisa Senimoli, UN Volunteer Communications and Outreach Officer with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Electoral Project in Fiji said,

"One of my main takeaways from the CDLF workshop was how to communicate with my peers and supervisors effectively. I also enjoyed the storytelling session, and realised how powerful storytelling is as a tool for influence, inspiration, and change"

Another UN Volunteer in Fiji, Anamul Haque, UN Volunteer Knowledge Management and Monitoring Officer with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) shared,

"The UN Volunteer Workshop in Suva was an enriching experience that enhanced my intercultural sensitivity, communication, and conflict management skills. Personally, it was a transformative journey of learning and growth, and I left feeling more connected and empowered to make a difference."

Ilaisa Senimoli (left), UN Volunteer Communications and Outreach Officer with the UNDP Electoral Project and Anamul Haque (right), UN Volunteer Knowledge Management and Monitoring Officer with UNICEF.

The learning event in Fiji.

Next stop—Afghanistan on 2.12

Thirty two UN Volunteers supporting the United Nations humanitarian efforts gathered in Kabul for a learning event from 2 to 4 December. The learning event focused on encouraging collaboration, enhancing leadership, navigating through challenges, and contributing effectively to the UN system.

The learning event in Afghanistan.

And finally to India on 10.12

Empowered volunteers, empowered communities was the motto for the learning event in India on 10 and 11 December. It brought together 31 UN Volunteers from across the country to Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar.

One of the activities for this learning event was having dialogues with more than 7,000 young girls from Indigenous Communities studying at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. The students were informed on how United Nations Volunteers (UNV) encourages inclusion by creating opportunities for young girls and boys from the vulnerable section of the community.

Aastha Singh, UN Volunteer, Knowledge Management for Nutrition with UNICEF India shared, "Most of all, the sense of knowing that our vulnerabilities and challenges are often so common. In times when we don't have immediate answers to the big questions we hold about our careers and lives, there is comfort and clarity in collectively sharing and exploring our respective unknowns.

This workshop left me with a deep reflection of the idea that UN Volunteers are the inspiration in action for UN and India's communities—yes—but most of all, they inspire action for and with each other. I am grateful to be part of a system where scaling such mindsets from the micro to the macro is deeply rooted in the UNV culture - that is special. That is rare. And an integral facet of creating long-lasting change."

The learning event in India.

Urjaswi Sondhi, UN Volunteer Project Associate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India reflected,

“My takeaway from the workshop was the importance of aligning career goals with personal values. When your work reflects your core beliefs and aspirations, it creates a path of purpose, fulfilment, and sustainable success.”

Rashmi Kumar, UN Volunteer Child Protection Officer with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in India shared,

“The Holistic Career Development Workshop helped me align my passion and skills to protect marginalized children’s rights, foster their well-being, and embody the UN Volunteers’ vision of inspiration in action.”