UN Urges Observance of International Volunteer Day

IYV Report notes importance of using the Internet to involve volunteers

On Nov. 26, the UN General Assembly called on governments, with the support of the media, civil society and the private sector, to observe 5 December, International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, and to include activities focused on follow-up to the achievements of the International Year of Volunteers 2001 in its public awareness-raising campaign. The Assembly also invited all stakeholders to support volunteerism as a strategic tool to enhance economic and social development, including by expanding corporate volunteering.

Denmark’s representative, Ole E. Moesby, speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, said that since the launch of the International Year of Volunteers 2001, progress had been made in enhancing the recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion of voluntary action. A key tool used in the pursuit of those goals had been the Internet, with which volunteers had been able to expand their networks and enhance their exchange of knowledge and information. The Internet had also demonstrated its capacity as a multiplier of ideas and a means of sharing best practices.

Before the General Assembly was the Report of the Secretary-General on the International Year of Volunteers: outcomes and future perspectives (document A/57/352), which presents the background to the Year and an overview of the action taken. Regarding the future, the report highlights three areas of follow-up to be considered: continued advocacy with governments and the United Nations system, including in and around intergovernmental forums; the need for governments, NGOs, the private sector, the United Nations system, eminent persons and others to continue taking all possible measures to promote voluntary action; and, with respect to technical cooperation, enhancing the environment for volunteering, including the drafting of national legislation, the undertaking of volunteer-related research, establishment of volunteer centres, the formation of national volunteer corps, the development of volunteer opportunities via the Internet and the expansion of corporate volunteering.

Full text of press release on this UN General Assembly