Exactly two weeks ago the shock of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon shook the world. Since then we have all lived with the horrible images of devastation, of suffering and grief which will forever be engraved on our collective memory.

But there are also other images that permeate this tragedy like a ray of light: the sight of volunteers who have rushed to the sites of destruction to offer their help. Joined in an effort that can only be described as superhuman, they have rescued survivors and are recovering the bodies of those who perished. They have removed tons of debris and are counseling traumatized eyewitnesses and rescue workers. And they have patiently lined up in long queues to donate blood for the injured. Rising from the rubble, from the fear, the shock and sorrow we continue to witness one of the most heroic expressions ever of volunteer spirit. It is this spirit that is helping to bring a deeply wounded society back to its feet. And it is people like those who come together in an active expression of solidarity at "ground zero" in New York -- volunteers who reach out a helping hand when there is need - to whom we are paying tribute in this United Nations International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001).

As the executive coordinator of the United Nations Volunteer programme which has been tasked with the coordination of IYV by the UN General Assembly, I am exited about this joint campaign with Benetton that we are launching here today. Working with some 5,000 highly skilled and motivated United Nations Volunteers every year, who support efforts for peace and development around the world, we know first hand about the positive impact of volunteer action.

You will have the opportunity to hear more about their experiences from two of our UN Volunteers featured in the campaign, Ms. Soldedad Condore and Mr. Pedro Perez, who are here with us today.

But United Nations Volunteers represent only a tiny fraction of the global volunteer force. Deeply rooted in all cultures, religions and regions, volunteerism is the most widespread expression of human solidarity. To date, there are only a few countries where volunteerism has been measured, but wherever surveys have been conducted, the result is stunning: the activities of volunteers make up between 8 to 14 percent of the gross domestic product. The contributions of hundreds of millions of people around the globe who give of their time and talent is enormous, yet the full value of volunteerism as a major factor in social and economic life has not yet attracted sufficient attention. This is why one of the key goals of the International Year of Volunteers is to raise awareness about this vital force.

This Benetton-sponsored campaign makes an important contribution to getting volunteers off the sidelines and into the centre of public attention. We at UN Volunteers welcome the partnership in this joint effort. Benetton has repeatedly collaborated with the United Nations and for many years has devoted its advertising budget to issues of social relevance.

Under the most tragic of circumstances we are currently witnessing the varied contributions volunteers make to society. These efforts must be recognized -- along with those of millions of others around the world who will never make the headlines. The campaign will help spread this message during this International Year of Volunteers. Featuring people who devote their energy as volunteers to issues ranging from the protection of human rights to raising awareness on HIV/AIDS and to the combat against street violence, the campaign is an expression of the great diversity of global volunteer action. It underlines that committed individuals can make a difference. It demonstrates that volunteers are the glue that holds society together.

Thank you!