UN Volunteers official says 2026 ought to bring real change through stronger policies, funding and support for volunteers

Speaking to UN News during his visit to India, Andrey Pogrebnyak, Deputy Executive Coordinator (Management) of United Nations Volunteers, said that the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026 must go beyond celebration and lead to stronger recognition, policy support and investment in volunteerism. He also highlighted the contribution of UN Volunteers towards advancing the Sustainable Development Goals globally, including through initiatives in India such as the Adi Karmayogi Fellowship Programme, which deployed 82 young volunteers across tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, reaching more than 40,000 people in over 1,100 villages.

Interview with Andrey Pogrebnyak, Deputy Executive Coordinator (Management), United Nations Volunteers (UNV) 

UN News - As your mission to India comes to a close, what are your main impressions from this visit, and what have been your takeaways?

Andrey Pogrebnyak -This is my first time in India. I believe that the mission to India has been positive and deeply inspiring. India offers tremendous opportunities for the UNV programme. India has immense energy, large youth population, diverse talents, strong culture of volunteerism, digital innovation, and strong commitment to inclusive development. 

What stands out most is the strong partnership between United Nations Volunteers and various United Nations agencies, funds and programs in India. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the UN Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner, the UN Country Team colleagues, specially UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNODC, WHO, OICT, IOM, WFP and all UN agencies for hosting UN Volunteers, government counterparts, and especially the UN Volunteers.

UN News - 2026 marks the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. What must be done differently this time to ensure it creates lasting impact, beyond visibility and celebration?

Andrey Pogrebnyak - 2026 should be more than a celebration; it should create real change. The most important thing is not just making volunteerism more visible. The real goal is to make volunteerism stronger and more recognized.

We need to focus on three simple priorities.

First, we need to show clearly how volunteers help communities and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Second, Volunteerism should be integrated into national development plans, UN cooperation framework with proper support and investment.

Third, By the end of 2026, we should see concrete changes such as new policies, more funding, and better support for volunteers.

India is already showing a good example. Programmes like the Adi Yuva Fellowship help young people from tribal communities gain skills, confidence, and opportunities.

In simple terms, if 2026 leads to better policies, more investment, and stronger support for volunteers, it will create a lasting legacy. 

UN News - From a global and Asia-Pacific perspective, how is United Nations Volunteers helping the United Nations system advance the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in countries facing complex development and humanitarian challenges?

Andrey Pogrebnyak - UNV has two core mandates. First, it mobilizes UN Volunteers to provide talent solutions to the United Nations system. Second, it promotes volunteerism globally as a powerful way to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2025, United Nations Volunteers program engaged over 17,1K national and international UN Volunteers serving with over 60 UN entities across 172 countries and territories. They supported a wide range of peace, humanitarian, and development initiatives.

This global workforce also reflects UNV’s strong commitment to inclusion and diversity. Of the total volunteers, 60% were women and 327 were persons with disabilities.

In the Asia and the Pacific region alone, UNV engaged over 3,1K volunteers in 2025 to support UN agencies and partners.

These figures demonstrate that UN Volunteers are not simply an additional resource, they are a vital part of the UN system. They bring diverse skills, local knowledge, and community connections that help the United Nations deliver more effectively and accelerate progress toward SDGs.

UN News - Can you share one example where volunteerism has delivered measurable change for communities? 

Andrey Pogrebnyak - Yes, absolutely. As we are in New Delhi, let me offer one strong example which comes from India - the Adi Karmayogi Fellowship Programme, a partnership between UNFPA India, UNV, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Last year, 82 young volunteers were deployed to remote tribal areas in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. They reached more than 40K people across over 1,100 villages. They helped families understand and access government schemes related to health, education, housing, and livelihoods.

The real change was that many families were able to access services and benefits they had not received before, simply because someone took the time to explain the process and guide them.

Volunteers also worked with adolescents on health awareness and supported health camps and community events.

This example shows that volunteers do more than provide extra support. They help to connect government programmes with the people who need them most. In hard-to-reach communities, that connection can create meaningful and lasting change.

UN News - Many young people want to contribute but do not know where to begin. What would you say to someone considering volunteering, locally or through the United Nations system, for the first time?

Andrey Pogrebnyak - My advice to any young person is simple: don’t wait until you feel completely ready, just start!

You do not need to have everything figured out. Volunteering is one of the best ways to discover your interests, build confidence, and develop new skills.

Start where you are. You can volunteer with a local NGO, a community group, your school or college, or even in your own neighborhood.

As you volunteer, you will begin to understand what inspires you and what kind of impact you want to make.

When you are ready to take the next step, United Nations Volunteers offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful work, and become part of a global network.

So start with curiosity and willingness to help. You may begin by changing someone else’s life, but in the process, you may discover your own purpose.

***