23 April 2008

Bonn, Germany: The pivotal role of UNV in volunteerism for development was highlighted by the UN Under Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ad Melkert, during an official visit to UNV headquarters in Bonn.

Mr. Melkert was introduced by UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri as a strong advocate of Volunteerism for Development (V4D) and the UNV mission. UNV is administered by the UNDP and is represented worldwide through UNDP offices.

Mr. Melkert stressed that, within the UN, volunteers were making a real difference. Discussions with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) showed the highly important role of volunteers in dealing with crises and providing support at "times of the highest need".

UNV provides expertise to partners in the UN system and contributes to strategic planning at UNDP, "a world-wide network, rich in knowledge about governance and participation". Managing knowledge will be key to UNDP in the future, said Mr. Melkert, and volunteer contributions would always be valued.

In a question-and-answer session, Mr. Melkert referred to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), emphasizing the progress made so far, and the need to continue efforts keeping in mind the 2015 deadline.

He noted that the MDGs are known and supported well beyond the development community. "What we are seeing is truly remarkable," he added. "Global attention has focused consistently over a number of years on a set of measurable and universally agreed targets. The contribution of volunteers to the MDGs is very important, including at a community level."

Congratulating UNV on its results, the Associate Administrator urged the organization and its staff to continue improving and building on their efforts.