In 1997, Basque Government cooperation with the United Nations Organisation earned a new channel resulting from the creation of UN Scholarships under the Basque Government Cooperation in Development Programme. This initiative permitted the establishment of closer relations, particularly with UNICEF, UNESCO, UNIFEM and the UNDP, and collaboration in the field with Basque volunteers working for the different agency offices, especially in Latin America.

Basque society participates intensely in cooperation programmes with southern peoples, and increasingly more people are deciding to make a human and professional contribution to achieving their integral development. As far back as 1993, the Basque Government, through itsprograma "Young Basque Volunteers", programme, and in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations for Development (NGODs), started co-funding the participation of youths between the ages of 20 and 30 in development projects in southern countries, hence contributing to making our society more aware and to creating supportive links between peoples. Moreover, as from DECREE 120/1997, dated 27th May, specific aid options permit Basque youths to participate in the interesting programmes organised by these organisations, in addition to which they can train to apply for officially announced UN organisation positions..