They are professionals who work on a peer basis. Volunteers also share and exchange ideas, skills and experience. Agriculture, health and education feature prominently, as do social conditions, community development, vocational training, industry, transport and population. Over the years, they have served in about 140 countries. Nearly three quarters serve in the world's poorest nations - the Least Developed, the Landlocked and the Small Island economies.
Half work outside capital cities, frequently in remote towns and villages.
This is in response to expressed needs, and it reflects the commitment which volunteers bring. At the request of some governments UNV itself acts as executing agent. Other significant sources include the regular programme budgets of UN agencies, contributions from host governments, special purpose grants by donor governments, and the UNV Special Voluntary Fund.