25 July 2001

Lima, Peru: Prince Felipe of Asturias will meet privately with United Nations Volunteers in Lima, Peru, on 27 July. The Prince will discuss the work of the Spanish and Peruvian UN Volunteers in support of the Peruvian Ombudsman institution and in the area of water and sanitation.

The meeting reflects the support the Prince of Asturias has demonstrated for volunteers in his country and abroad over the past several years. In recognition of this commitment, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited His Royal Highness to become an Eminent Person to promote volunteerism in the framework of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001). IYV 2001 was declared by the UN General Assembly with the aims of recognizing, facilitating, promoting and networking volunteer activity worldwide.

During the meeting, which will take place in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Lima, the UN Volunteers serving in Cuzco, Tumbes, Lima and Ayacucho will explain to the Prince concrete aspects of their work advocating for human rights and for the use of water as a precious resource. There are currently 20 UN Volunteers in Peru.

The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, José Manuel Hermida, and the Programme and Policy Director of the UN Volunteers programme (UNV) Miguel Bermeo, will be present to welcome the Prince. After the meeting, the Prince will meet representatives of the Peruvian IYV 2001 National Committee other UN agencies based in Peru.