07 August 2008

Beijing, China: Senior UN and Beijing officials have encouraged the continuation of volunteerism for development beyond the 2008 Olympic Games.

At an event held in the UN compound garden in Beijing on 7 August, United Nations Under-Secretary-General Achim Steiner saluted not only the 500,000 Olympics volunteers but all volunteers "making a difference" in development work worldwide. Mr. Steiner was joined by the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in China, Khalid Malik, who agreed that citizen volunteers needed to be "part of the solution" in addressing tough development challenges.

After opening with a statement from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (see below), Mr. Steiner noted that from the UN's perspective "the 2008 Beijing Olympic games mark a tremendous opportunity to promote volunteerism in China and throughout the world."

Mr. Steiner, who heads the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), paid close attention to the role of volunteerism in the aftermath of the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake; he also described ways in which volunteers contributed to the economic and social well-being of their communities, playing a "powerful role" in changing lives.

"We at the UN strongly believe volunteerism helps build strong and cohesive communities," Mr. Steiner remarked. "On an individual level it transforms people into responsible citizens and makes them the leaders of tomorrow."

Noting the inspirational deeds of volunteers at the Olympics and elsewhere, Mr. Steiner stressed that transferring this spirit into volunteerism for the greater public good should be one of the legacies of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Mr. Steiner's words were echoed by Khalid Malik, who opened his remarks with a statement on behalf of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The statement paid tribute to Olympic volunteers, those volunteers involved in earthquake relief and the many others protecting the environment, advancing education and combating HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Malik continued this theme. "When facing many of the challenges in our society, we should think what ordinary citizens, if given proper support, could do to help us overcome them," he reminded the audience.

The platform the Beijing Olympic Committee had created for motivated and talented volunteers should be replicated globally, he said. Leaders across the world should work to create frameworks for volunteers to serve the causes of peace and development.

"It is my sincere hope the Olympic volunteer spirit of dedication, friendship and progress will inspire many throughout the world to push themselves to make a difference," the Resident Coordinator concluded.

Also speaking were representatives of the Beijing government and Beijing Olympic Committee, the British Minister for London and the Olympics, plus former Olympians, the UNDP China Goodwill Ambassador and Olympic volunteers themselves. Click below to download the UN China press release about the event (PDF 112 kb).

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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's statement in full: On the eve of the opening of the Games of the 29th Olympiad, I send my encouragement and appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of Beijing Olympic and Paralympic volunteers who will be serving in the 2008 Summer Games - especially to those who have made distinctive contributions to building better lives for people throughout China. The vital role of volunteers in China has been highlighted this year, not only through the tremendous efforts of preparing for the Games, but also in the response of millions who volunteered to assist those affected by the tragic Wenchuan earthquake in May. Let me also recognize all those who give of their energy and talent to help protect the environment, advance education, and combat HIV and AIDS. Through these remarkable efforts by volunteers in China, the potential and importance of volunteerism will be seen and recognized around the world. I hope that many more will follow their example.