02 April 2007

Bonn, Germany: Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), has contributed one million Canadian dollars (C$1m) to the United Nations Volunteers programme in order to promote Volunteerism for Development (V4D).

The funds will help UN Volunteers (UNV) respond to growing requests to help governments set up national volunteer schemes, initiate creative and pioneering volunteer activities and develop its research capacity on volunteerism in developing countries.  UNV will also use the money to enhance collaboration with international networks of volunteer cooperation organizations and to catalyze the development of new approaches to the application of Volunteerism for Development. 

“Volunteerism has a critical role to play in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including tackling poverty and halting the spread of HIV/AIDS,” said UNV Executive Coordinator Mr. Ad de Raad. “This contribution by the Canadian International Development Agency will be a significant boost to our efforts to develop and promote Volunteerism for Development for the benefit of millions of people worldwide.”
UNV is the focal point for volunteerism in the UN system. It pursues distinctive contributions to effective development by advocating the role and benefits of volunteerism, integrating civil society into development programmes, and helping to mobilise volunteers worldwide.

CIDA helps build the capacity of developing country partners, increases the policy influence of the voluntary sector, leverages resources such as networks, research, funding, and volunteers, promotes knowledge-sharing at community, national, regional, and global levels, and engages Canadians in development issues. It is instrumental in mobilising and harnessing Canadian volunteers for international development programmes.

Related links:

CIDA http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/index.htm

V4D http://www.unv.org/what-we-do.html