07 December 2010

Bonn, Germany: Today the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme celebrates its 40th Birthday.  This birthday coincides with the many and vigorous celebrations on International Volunteer Day (IVD) around the world and the great success of UNV's online Film Festival and global discussion about volunteering for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  As UNV gets older, the organization and volunteerism in general continue to play an integral part in promoting peace and development worldwide.

On 7 December 1970, the United Nations General Assembly decided through the Resolution A/Res/2659 (XXV):  "…to establish within the existing framework of the United Nations system, with effect from 1 January, 1971, an international group of volunteers, the members of which shall be designated collectively and individually as United Nations Volunteers".

Since its birth that day, UNV has become the United Nations organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV pursues global recognition of volunteers for peace and development, encourages the integration of volunteerism into development programmes, and promotes the mobilization of increasing numbers and greater diversity of volunteers contributing to peace and development.

Flavia Pansieri, UNV Executive Coordinator, extended her congratulations to UNV staff and to all UNV volunteers from Colombia, where she had celebrated IVD.

"Today, 40 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly established the United Nations Volunteers," said Ms Pansieri. "Since then, tens of thousands of UNV volunteers have served the causes of the United Nations system worldwide. Volunteers and volunteerism bring people and cultures together and bring to life the spirit of the United Nations."

"UNV has grown into a global programme supporting volunteerism in over 120 countries around the world, onsite and online, inspiring people to take voluntary action in support of peace and development."