30 June 2005

In this, my last message for the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme annual report, following nearly six years as Administrator of UNDP, I look back with pride at the way in which UNV has grown and diversified tremendously to become a jewel in the crown of the UNDP group.

Today, thousands of UN Volunteers are reaching out to more people than ever before, supporting governments and communities in their development efforts. As world leaders prepare to meet at the UN General Assembly this September to review progress on the implementation of the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the importance of mobilizing citizens through volunteerism has never been more critical.

In diverse ways, UNV provides a range of opportunities for people wanting to contribute to the achievement of the MDGs. Whether assisting UNDP and the UN system as a whole, or working with governments and volunteer involving organizations, UN Volunteers – some 7,300 in 2004 – bring skills and experience to support national and local development efforts. Working directly with stakeholders in communities, UN Volunteers are increasingly playing a critical role in motivating others to volunteer, as well as being advocates for the MDGs.

This catalyzing spirit is evident wherever UNV is present. In Honduras for example, UN Volunteer Peter Claesson of Sweden rallied artists from around the world to communicate the message of the MDGs through art in the capital city of Tegucigalpa in July 2004. At the end of the project, some 500 people – including local volunteers supported by politicians and businesses who donated meals, accommodations and materials – created 45 pieces of artwork. Thanks to this united effort, the city’s population now has a visible expression of what each of the MDGs means. UNDP recognized Peter Claesson’s efforts with an award for his creativity and commitment to development.

Following the tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean on 26 December, UN Volunteers continued to demonstrate the invaluable support they provide to UNDP. UN Volunteers from India experienced in disaster risk management arrived in the hardest hit areas of Indonesia and Sri Lanka to give assistance to UNDP country offices, assessing the damage the tsunami had inflicted and putting into action a response strategy. Other teams of UN Volunteers also worked with UNDP to help coordinate the setting up of facilities for displaced persons and the rebuilding of key infrastructure.

In southern Africa, UN Volunteers are working as part of the Southern Africa Capacity Initiative (SACI) to help address the impact of AIDS in the hardest hit countries of the sub-region. Launched in March 2004, the scheme aims to help slowdown and reverse the erosion of human resources as a result of HIV/AIDS, and strengthen awareness initiatives and support mechanisms. Placed within government ministries, specialized agencies and NGOs, UN Volunteers are helping to develop leadership capacity and expertise, accelerate skills training in key sectors such as agriculture, education and healthcare, and empower institutions to keep functioning and delivering services.

I am confident that UNV, under the leadership of Ad de Raad, who was appointed as its Executive Coordinator in August 2004, will continue to strengthen its efforts to channel the skills and motivation of volunteers towards meeting the development challenges we face today. UNV will also, I am sure, continue to advance its role as a strong driving force in promoting and highlighting the many contributions volunteers make to peace and development worldwide.