Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, today received a courtesy call from Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme Mr. Toily Kurbanov.
Mr. Kurbanov was accompanied by the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Mr. Dirk Wagener, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Munktuya Altangarel.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka warmly welcomed Mr. Kurbanov and his delegation on behalf of the Government and people of Fiji. He commended the UNV programme for its long-standing commitment to sustainable development in the Pacific, particularly its vital contributions to building climate change resilience in Fiji.
The head of government also acknowledged the ongoing partnership between Fiji and the UNV, expressing appreciation for the programme’s support in empowering local communities and advancing national development goals through volunteerism.
He emphasised the importance of further strengthening collaboration to address global challenges such as climate change, youth engagement, and capacity-building.
In his remarks, Mr. Kurbanov thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for the warm welcome and highlighted the core mission of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.
He emphasised that the UNV, as a UN organization, contributes to peace and development worldwide through volunteerism. Mr. Kurbanov noted that “volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development.”
Based in Bonn, Germany, the UNV programme operates in 169 countries. In 2023, it deployed 12,633 UN Volunteers worldwide. UNV maintains a global presence with offices in New York and regional hubs in Amman, Bangkok, Dakar, Istanbul, Nairobi, and Panama City, as well as a liaison office in Tokyo and 60 Field Units, including in the Pacific region.
Mr. Kurbanov, is originally from Russia, and has served as Executive Coordinator of the UNV programme since January 2021. Prior to this, he was the Deputy Executive Coordinator from 2016, where he played a key role in positioning the UNV within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and broader UN reform efforts.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in sustainable development and public policy, Mr. Kurbanov has held several senior roles within UNDP, including Country Director in Myanmar (2012–2016) and Deputy Resident Representative in Fiji and the Pacific (2007–2012). His career also includes significant contributions in banking, government, and diplomacy across Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University and a Master’s degree in Economics from the Russian Economic University. He is fluent in English and Russian and is married with three children.
