Bonn, Germany: We have had three days of debate and discussion, networking and friendship, looking at two of the big issues facing our planet: how to build sustainable societies; and how to build active and responsive citizens.

And crucially, what I hope this conference will have achieved, is the coming together of these debates and traditions – to demonstrate that the two are inter-connected; that we can’t have the one without the other; that the goal of sustainability will not be realised without the energy and commitment of individuals – as volunteers, as activist, as campaigners and as participants. Read

Bonn, Germany: We need to go out there to inspire many more people and encourage them to understand what sustainable societies are all about, how they can become responsive citizens, they can volunteer, become activists, make change and implement sustainable development. Read

Bonn, Germany: The 4 Awardee projects, and the special people behind them, epitomize  - precisely - the type of committed, engaged and responsive citizens we are speaking about – people whom out of free will and volunteer spirit, have stood up, joined and partnered with others, and took action to do something to make the world around them a better place. What better occasion to recognize these efforts and people - than at this Conference. Read

Bonn, Germany: I have been asked to speak about volunteering and sustainable societies, and I will attempt to do that in the next 7-10 minutes. I do so in the context of the opportunities given me as a developmental psychologist,  volunteer and volunteer program manager in the Philippines.

In their life time, children become adults who are committed to achieving their full potential, with the best interests of future generations in mind. In a real sense, healthy psychological development is anchored on the principle of sustainability: living a balanced life and enjoying the earth’s resources in a way that passes on to those who come after us, the same privilege. Read

Bonn, Germany: Achieving sustainable development is not just the job of governments and the United Nations. Sustainable societies need responsive citizens and responsive civil society organizations – people who rise to the challenge, who take action of their own free will, and work towards a better and brighter future for everyone around them.

Welcome to the United Nations City of Bonn. The United Nations organizations in Bonn, are “Working towards sustainable development worldwide”. Thus Bonn is the perfect host for this year’s UN DPI NGO Conference - ‘Sustainable Societies; Responsive Citizens’. Read