In 2025, UNDP’s Knowledge Project engaged over 30 dedicated volunteers who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to support the mission of empowering nations and individuals through knowledge. Their collective efforts further UNDP’s mandate of helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable development while promoting innovation and strengthening communities. Volunteers play a vital role in creating positive change and uplifting others, demonstrating the core human value of giving in a world facing unprecedented challenges.
As International Volunteer Day was observed on 5 December, the Knowledge Project highlighted the experiences of volunteers who collaborated across borders. They were involved in activities ranging from UX/UI reviews and functional assessments of the Knowledge4All portal to visual design and community engagement for initiatives such as the Global Knowledge Index, Knowledge Summit, and Future Skills Academy. This coincided with the launch of the International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development 2026, an initiative aimed at making volunteering more inclusive, impactful, and widely recognized.
Volunteerism has a global reach, with one billion volunteers worldwide contributing the equivalent of 109 million full-time workers, according to the United Nations Volunteers programme. This work supports the UN’s mission and Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that no one is left behind. Inspired by the UAE’s culture of service and the designation of 2025 as the Year of Community, Syrian volunteer Rand, 24, contributed from UNDP’s Dubai office. She assisted with data collection, verification, and analysis for the Global Knowledge Index, supporting evidence-based policies and initiatives like the Knowledge Summit. Rand reflected that volunteering reinforced the power of knowledge and showed how even small contributions can create meaningful societal impact.
Ziphozenkosi, 24, from Zimbabwe, contributed to improving the user experience of the Knowledge4All portal, enhancing accessibility and usability for stakeholders across the Arab States region. He highlighted that the experience strengthened his design thinking, problem-solving skills, and appreciation for international collaboration, demonstrating how personal growth supports UNDP’s broader mandate. Gabriel, 28, from Romania, worked on the portal’s interface and found that the project allowed him to refresh technical skills and gain valuable soft skills such as adaptability and embracing diversity, emphasizing that volunteerism provides mutual learning opportunities.
Sally, 30, from Egypt, focused on visual communication for the Future Skills Academy, using design to empower youth and support the UN’s vision of an inclusive, sustainable future. For full-stack developer Sumer, 31, from Yemen, volunteering on the Knowledge4All portal enhanced his analytical and UX skills while promoting learning, accessibility, and youth empowerment. Each volunteer highlighted how their contributions not only advanced the Knowledge Project but also fostered lasting personal and professional growth.
The Knowledge Project continues to partner with volunteers, offering opportunities to contribute meaningfully while developing skills. With ongoing openings, individuals motivated to make an impact can look forward to joining future initiatives and supporting UNDP’s mission of knowledge-driven development.
