UNA Exchange is a Cardiff-based international volunteering charity that supports Future Generations Well-being Goals across Wales and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals worldwide. The organisation was established in 1973 as the United Nations Association for International Voluntary Service (Wales) and is driven by the mission of a globally responsible Wales.
For 45 years the charity has facilitated international exchanges to and from Wales, empowering individuals to take part in a variety of voluntary service projects that develop communities, protect the historic and natural environments and promote intercultural understanding. Aimed predominately at young people aged 18–30, UNA Exchange provides opportunities ranging from two-week residentials through to fully-funded 12-month overseas placements.
The charity receives core funding from Welsh Government together with significant funding from the European Commission through the Erasmus+ scheme for delivery of accessible and inclusive international volunteering.
Working in partnership with not-for-profit organisations worldwide, UNA Exchange is a member of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations and the UNESCO-affiliated Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service. The charity is also a member of Bond, VINE UK, WCVA and CWVYS, which facilitates pan-Wales and UK-wide networking.
The organisation is run by a small and dedicated team based at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff.