05 December 2001

This publication attempts to capture the breadth and depth of the discussions that took place at the General Assembly on 5 December 2001. Statements at the plenary meetings made by Member States from every region reflected the rich mosaic of traditions and experiences permeating volunteerism and underlined a broad-based affirmation of the need for governments and the United Nations to actively support voluntary action. A one-hour Special Event took place in the General Assembly Chamber during a break in the plenary meetings and marked the formal closing of IYV 2001. The event provided an opportunity for individual citizens, from IYV Eminent Persons to volunteers at the front line, to share with country delegations their own reflections on what volunteering means for them.