About Us

The International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV)

The International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV) is a non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). IOUNV aims to promote community voluntarism, peaceful decoexistence, and humanitarian services globally.

History and Mission

Established in 2013, IOUNV was founded by Amb. Cosmos Yahzitere Okoh and a group of pioneers who registered with the UN Volunteers program. The organization focuses on enlightenment and application of humanitarian services through community volunteering. IOUNV collaborates with government departments, agencies, and NGOs to promote cooperative and communal volunteering, peace advocacy, and community participation.

Objectives and Activities

IOUNV’s objectives include:

• Promoting community voluntarism and peaceful coexistence
• Providing platforms for community participation in cooperative services and peace building
• Engaging traditional leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, students, women, and other stakeholders in promoting voluntarism and peace initiatives

The organization has achieved these objectives through various activities, including:

• Workshops and vocational trainings
• Retreats and cooperative engagements with NGOs on humanitarian activities
• Issuing certificates of appreciation, recognition, and honor awards to outstanding contributors
• Partnerships and Recognition
• IOUNV has fostered relationships with many NGOs and government agencies, collaborating on humanitarian activities and promoting community voluntarism. The organization celebrates International Observance Days annually with the United Nations and engages in cooperative efforts to promote peace and development in communities.

The Founder’s Motivation

The founder of the International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV), Amb Cosmos Yahzitere Okoh was inspired by his experiences growing up during the Nigerian/Biafran civil war. Witnessing how communal voluntarism helped people in his community and refugees survive the harsh war conditions had a profound impact on him.

Key Influences:

• The voluntary efforts of his community to support refugees during the war
• The Communal voluntary Program that maintained governance at instance of collapsed constituted governmental authorities and her provision of essential services that promoted voluntary farming activities and security.
• The communal farming schemes and joint farming groups that his people engaged in after the war

Philosophy:

The founder believes that volunteering is an essential human essence that has been ignored, leading to degradation of humanity. He concludes that a society that operates solely on selfish and capitalist tendencies cannot be reasonable without incorporating a spirit of volunteering.

Mission:

This inspiration led him to develop the concept of community volunteering, with the goal of promoting humanitarian services and societal norms through voluntary efforts.

Objectives

The International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV) has the following objectives:

1. Promote Community Volunteering. Encourage and support community volunteering efforts.

2. Educate and Enlighten: Raise awareness and educate the masses on the importance of voluntarism.

3. Unite Volunteers: Bring together accredited and non-accredited volunteers for humanitarian works.

4. Partner for Peace: Collaborate with government, NGOs, and agencies to promote peace building and dispute resolution in communities.

5. Support the Less Privileged: Provide succour to less privileged persons through community volunteering.

6. Promote UN Observance Days. Join other NGOs to promote United Nations International Observance Days and mobilize members to participate.

7. Empower Communities. Encourage communities to take active and positive roles in development.These objectives highlight IOUNV’s commitment to promoting voluntarism, peace, and community development.

Purpose and Benefits

The purpose and benefits of IOUN Volunteers include:

Purpose:

1. Enlighten on Volunteering: Educate members and the public on issues related to volunteering.

2. Awaken Voluntarism: Promote the consciousness of voluntarism and its importance.

Benefits:

1. UN Volunteers Engagement: Follow up with UN Volunteers activities and provide education on registration, engagements, and accreditations.

2. Community Service: Apportion members to community units, such as cooperative societies, to serve people in their locations.

3. Mutual Benefit: Allow members to benefit from the services they provide to their communities.

By achieving these purposes and benefits, IOUN Volunteers aims to promote voluntarism, community service, and mutual benefit among its members.

Structure and Management

he International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV) has a structured management system that covers various levels, including:

1. Continental

2. Continental Regions

3. Nationals

4. Regions

5. States

6. Districts

7. Communities

Each unit is led by Coordinators and Executive Members who participate in weekly online meetings to discuss and plan the group’s activities.The IOUN Volunteers Forum is currently led by Amb. Salome Mula, who serves as the National Coordinator for Zimbabwe.

Spread of the Group

The International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV) has experienced significant growth and expansion, with a vast network of volunteer groups across the globe. The organization has successfully built a universal empire of volunteers, promoting cooperation, understanding, and solidarity among community members.

1. Rapid Expansion: IOUNV has grown rapidly, with increasing numbers of groups and members.

Key Highlights:

2. Global Reach: The organization has established groups in various countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

3. Volunteer Engagement: IOUNV has engaged volunteers in various activities, including providing succour and palliatives to low-classed citizens and people in crisis.

4. Activation Group: The IOUNV Activation group plays a crucial role in activating and growing groups, ensuring their effectiveness.

List of Groups:

The organization has established over 95 groups across different regions, including:- African countries (e.g., Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa etc)- Asian countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal etc)- Middle Eastern countries (e.g., Syria, Iraq, Israel, Palestine etc)- European countries (e.g., France, Italy etc)- American countries (e.g., Mexico, Brazil etc)- Other regions, counties and districts (e.g., Asia, SADC, Kwazulu etc)These groups demonstrate IOUNV’s commitment to promoting voluntarism and community service globally.

Authorization and Affiliations

The International Organisation of UN Volunteers (IOUNV) was recognized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in 2013. Following a General Online Convention in 2020, the organization underwent a name change to International Organisation of United Volunteers and was registered in South Africa. In 2024, the organization was registered in Nigeria under the name Organisation of United Volunteers for Development and Humanitarian Initiative.

Memorandum of Understanding and Affiliations

During the General Annual Online Convention on March 13, 2025, the Board of Trustees, Coordinators, and Executive Council Officers unanimously agreed to establish the Organisation of United Volunteers for Development and Humanitarian Initiative as the host entity, with other incorporations serving as affiliates. The Convention reaffirmed the 2020 General Constitution and expressed confidence in the leadership of the President and Trustees.