Tokyo, Japan: Mr. Takehito Nakata, UNV Honorary Ambassador (retired) will this week receive the 'Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette', one of the highest decorations bestowed by the Japanese Government. Read

Bonn, Germany: A former head of UNV was decorated by the German Government today in recognition of her efforts in bringing the UN to Bonn. UNV was the first UN agency to set up headquarters in Germany after the partial relocation of the Federal Government to Berlin. Read

Bonn, Germany: Volunteerism is critical in responding to environmental and sustainable development challenges such as the preservation of biological diversity. Maintaining the diversity of nature is going to require the dedication of us all. "That means recognizing people who are already acting," said UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity. Read

Dead Sea, Jordan: Joyce Yu, Deputy Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers, gives a speech to the 4th IOC World Conference on Women and Sport “Sport as a vehicle for social change” in Jordan on 9 March 2008. Read

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon emphasized the critical role of voluntary action in achieving global efforts in his message for International Volunteer Day, 5 December 2007. He states that governments can not halt the effects of global warming or obtain the Millennium Development Goals alone. "We need people everywhere to volunteer for this challenge, and to help communities mitigate the effects of climate change. Voluntary action is also critical to build domestic solutions for sustainable economic growth, and to develop capacities to prepare for and respond to natural disasters." Read

In his International Volunteer Day 2007 message, UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis noted that "volunteerism is one of the most important manifestations of trust and solidarity within and between communities." He also highlighted the value of volunteerism to the economy and its critical role in helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals, "Volunteers are critical partners for development and deserve every support and recognition for their contribution to development efforts around the world." Read

Each day, millions of volunteers make a statement that despite everything – despite poverty and hatred, despite apathy and the seeming intractability of some of the challenges we face – people can change the world for the better. Read

In his IVD 2006 message, UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis commemorates the spirit of volunteerism and the commitment of individual volunteers giving their expertise to improve the lives of others. Read

In his first report about the UNV programme, Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator, pointed out the unique and important role the organization plays in UNDP and in the wider UN system. Read

The past year’s natural disasters have highlighted the invaluable contributions of volunteers in our communities. From the flooded streets of New Orleans to the flattened villages in Pakistan, ordinary people have risen to extraordinary challenges. They have volunteered their time, energy and skills to save lives and to rebuild communities. Through their service, they have shown us the very best of humanity. Read