Andrii Nahornyi turns complex data into powerful maps to help cities thrive

FAO turns 80—and it’s more than just a milestone. This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on a long-standing partnership built on shared values and global impact. 

Voices from the UNV editorial team in 12 languages—Arabic, English, French, Luo, Nepali, Portuguese, Quechua, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Urdu—in this video celebrate the cultural richness of each region.  

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND LEADERSHIPUNV headquarters are in Bonn, Germany. UNV has around 150 + staff members at headquarters, and over 14,600 UN Volunteers deployed in the field in 2024.Mr Toily Kurbanov (Russian Federation) is the Executive Coordinator of UNV, and took up his appointment on 4 January 2021. 

Yeran Kejijian knows what it means to be displaced. Her grandparents were refugees in Lebanon, and their stories shaped her path. Now, as the United Nations Volunteers Country Coordinator for Lebanon and Syria, Yeran helps Syrians return home after years of exile. For her, rebuilding communities isn’t just about logistics—it’s about restoring dignity. 

Humanity in action

Then came a pivotal moment. The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Information and Technology Management team visited UNV headquarters in Bonn and offered a candid assessment: our systems were due for a significant upgrade. UNV responded with determination. It was an opportunity to review our systems and think of solutions.We didn't just patch up things. We rethought everything.Physical servers? Slashed from 7 to 2.Virtual machines? Down from 47 to 9.Legacy systems that translated web addresses? Gone. Replaced by Cloud-based platforms.

Technology is accelerating this shift. From digital literacy and coding to the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), young people are gaining the tools to drive change. Over 70 percent of secondary students now use AI in their academic work, with many relying on tools like ChatGPT to learn, create, and lead. As AI continues to evolve, volunteers are using it to analyze data faster and boost the impact of their social initiatives. 

The focus? Supercharging delivery, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and aligning on key initiatives—especially the business process streamlining project. But beyond the tech, the gathering was a celebration of what really powers development: people. From seasoned engineers to rising talent, participants shared one mission. Build better, smarter, and more human-centered UVP solutions. Whether onsite or remote, everyone brought their voice to the table, proving that great code starts with great communication and leads to stronger technical outcomes.

Why engage Online Volunteers?Through UNV’s Online Volunteering service, you can access a diverse pool of motivated candidates with specialized backgrounds and skills.