13 February 2001

Bonn, Germany: Volunteer activists in more than 110 countries have already formed over 130 committees at the start of the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV 2001), the largest celebration of volunteerism ever conceived.

Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly with active support of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, IYV 2001 is gaining momentum in countries in all regions of the world where IYV National Committees are publicly recognizing volunteer achievements and lobbying for better conditions. The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is global focal point for IYV 2001.

"It is time build a comprehensive network of volunteers to strengthen international cooperation. We must send a collective signal to governments and policy-makers that volunteers have earned the right to be heard," said UNV Executive Coordinator Sharon Capeling-Alakija.

Governments and civil society organizations have already started discussions on volunteer-friendly legislation. On 25 January, 41 nations from the Council of Europe adopted a recommendation on pro-volunteering policies. During the year, government representatives, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations will discuss the role of volunteerism in the promotion of social development at the Commission for Social Development. In December, UN member countries will deliberate on ways to support volunteerism at two plenary meetings of the UN General Assembly. Decision-makers are taking note: Tony Blair's UK cabinet has committed to contribute a full day to voluntary activities during 2001.

Eminent persons promoting volunteerism during 2001 include Spain's Crown Prince of Asturias, former Ghanaian President Jerry J. Rawlings and the founder of the Body Shop, Anita Roddick. Support for IYV has come from former US President Bill Clinton, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy, Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok, Olympic Gold Medallist Nadia Comaneci and many others.

UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan and volunteer leaders officially opened IYV in New York on 28 November 2000. An IYV global launch followed on International Volunteer Day, 5 December, by thousands of individuals, governments and organizations worldwide.