Belgrade, October 14, 2022 - With the support of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held the first training for 25 new United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) who will soon begin internships in 7 local governments in Serbia.

A total of 15 women and 10 men, aged 18 to 28, completed a two-day training on topics such as human rights, tolerance, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the communication skills they need to present to future employers.

The trainings are an introduction to a six-month work practice through volunteer contracts of the United Nations, which these young people will begin during November in Babušnica, Vladičina Han, Vrnjačka Banja, Kruševac, Novi Sad, Topola or Subotica. These 7 cities and municipalities are partners of UNDP within the “Regional Programme of Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 – ReLOaD2”. UN volunteers will gain work experience in the offices of municipal and city administrations, local centres for social work and cultural institutions.

The goal of the training and volunteer engagement program in local governments is to enable young people to acquire new knowledge and skills so that they can find permanent employment more easily. Also, they will have the opportunity to advocate more effectively for the interests of young people at the local level and influence the design of youth policies and initiatives in their communities. In this way, they will be able to get involved in social and political processes in the cities and municipalities they live in.

During the entire duration of the internship, UN volunteers will receive appropriate compensation in the amount of living expenses. Upon completion of the internship, everyone will receive a certificate of completed volunteering, in order to have a better chance of employment.