Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) is an autonomous research institute within the UN system that undertakes interdisciplinary research and policy analysis on the social dimensions of contemporary development issues. Our Mission Through our work we aim to ensure that social equity, inclusion and justice are central to development thinking, policy and practice. To this end, we focus on the often neglected social content and impacts of development processes and the role of social institutions, relations and actors in shaping development policies and pathways; engage researchers, policy makers and civil society actors from around the world in generating and sharing knowledge, in order to shape policy within and beyond the UN system; mobilize and strengthen the research capacity of individuals and institutions in developing countries through collaborative inquiry; and provide a space for the exchange of ideas, giving prominence to marginalized viewpoints, often challenging mainstream development thinking and offering alternative policy options.
ContextThe International Forum We, the Youth (IFWY) 2025 is a global initiative co-organized by UNRISD and MBC to provide a platform where young people can contribute to global policy discussions, engage in collective action, and develop solutions for social challenges. The Forum aligns with UNRISDโs vision of equity and inclusion by ensuring that youthโparticularly from marginalized and underrepresented communitiesโhave a voice in shaping social, economic, and environmental policies. To achieve this, the IFWY 2025 team is conducting a targeted outreach strategy to engage youth organizations and universities across world, ensuring broad representation in the Forum. Online UN Volunteers will play a critical role in mapping youth associations and universities to facilitate direct outreach and participation. The data collected through this initiative will strengthen engagement efforts, ensuring that IFWY reaches diverse youth leaders, students, and organizations.
Task DescriptionWorking time: March 31 โ April 13, 2025 Each volunteer will be assigned a specific country or subregion and will: -Task 1: For Youth Associations: (1) Identify youth organizations, NGOs, alternative schools and community centers supporting young people, particularly marginalized youth. Prioritize organizations working with: -Youth from low-income backgrounds -Rural and remote communities -Refugees and displaced youth -Indigenous and minority groups -Youth with disabilities -Those with limited digital access (2) Collect the following details: -Name of the association -Country/region -Contact email -Website -Short description (e.g., Itโs primary focus area: youth empowerment, education, sustainability, policy, social justice, entrepreneurship) -Language of communication -Task 2: For Universities: (1) Identify public and private universities with strong student engagement. -Prioritize institutions offering scholarships or programs for marginalized youth. (2) Collect the following details: -Name of the university -Country & region -Contact email (see guideline below) -Website & social media links -Primary focus area -Language of communication Contact details guideline: -International Office / Student Affairs -Student organizations (e.g., Model UN, youth councils, volunteer clubs, sustainability groups, etc.) -University media teams (newsletters, student newspapers, official social media) Key Points of the Distribution: English-Speaking Volunteers (8 volunteers): Covering Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu Marshall Islands, Nauru and Palau We welcome speakers of other languages of the continent, even if their language is not listed. Multilingual speakers are highly valued. Time Commitment & Work Arrangement -11- 5 hours per week (March 31 โ April 13, 2025). -All volunteers will be required to attend an on-board session. -Fully remote & flexible schedule. -Regular virtual check-ins and progress updates with the IFWY outreach team. Deliverable: Each UNV is expected to identify at least 2 associations and 20 universities (if applicable) per assigned country and submit the data in a standardized format (Google Sheets or Excel). Why should you work on this project? -Amplify the voices of youth, especially those in disadvantaged conditions, in policymaking. -Gain hands-on experience in international research and youth engagement. -Receive an official UNV certificate upon successful completion. -Expand your global network by collaborating with an international team. -Contribute to a high-influence UN-aligned youth initiative.
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