The UNV Programme in Lao PDR was established in 1983, and works in collaboration with UN agencies, the Lao Government, academia, volunteer organisations and the media to meet the development goals in Lao PDR. Since its creation, more than 1000 volunteers have served in Lao PDR, and there are on average 20 UN volunteers serving annually. The UNV Programme encompasses three pillars: advocacy, programming and volunteer mobilization. The UNV Field Unit actively advocates for the role of volunteerism in development, in the form of publications, research, and events such as the annual International Volunteer Day celebration, the Informal Volunteer Network and the biannual blood donation campaign which encourages staff from UN agencies and partner agencies to become volunteers and donate blood. On a programmatic level, UNV is currently collaborating with the Lao Youth Union and the Lao National University on youth related and volunteer schemes issues. In terms of mobilization, UNV recruits a great diversity of talents covering more than 100 professional categories and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. There are four distinct modalities available through UNV, each with different application processes. These are:
- International UN Volunteer-Specialist
- International UN Volunteer –Youth
- National UN Volunteer
- Online volunteering