10 October 2017 (UNV, Sochi, Russian Federation) - Thirty-six UN Volunteers from thirty-two countries are participating in the XIX World Youth and Students Festival (WFYS) commencing on 14 October in Sochi.

UN Volunteers are providing organizational support throughout the festival, giving inspirational talks, and proactively getting the word out about sustainable development.

Mr. Toily Kurbanov, Deputy Executive Coordinator, says “The festival, just like volunteering, is an opportunity for youth from all corners of the world to exchange and innovate.”

Three sessions of A Talk with UN Volunteers are scheduled for 16, 17 and 20 October; focusing on thematic areas of climate action, youth inclusion, and equality. Join in and hear UN Volunteers share their international volunteer stories.

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Editor’s Notes: In 2016, UNV had over 6,500 UN Volunteers in 126 countries, supporting sustainable development as part of the workforce of our United Nations partners. In addition, 13,000 UN Online Volunteers from around the world gave their time to engage in sustainable development virtually. With 84 per cent of UN Volunteers coming from countries of the global South, UNV acts as a change agent for South-South cooperation within the United Nations system.