It is a great honour to be invited to address this National Symposium, to be at this important event alongside such distinguished colleagues and to have the opportunity to share some of my thoughts. I believe it is particularly fitting that we are gathered together at Mogran, the very place where the two Niles meet, converge and flow forward as one.

I would like to commend the organizers for their foresight in convening this Symposium to reflect on the concepts underlying volunteerism for development in the specific context of Sudan, and the important role these concepts can play in helping to achieve lasting peace and development. Coming at this critical juncture in the history of Sudan, where prospects for peace are now grounded in the recently concluded peace agreements, makes it even more timely, exciting and inspiring. In so doing, Sudan also becomes one of a growing number of countries that demonstrates its resolve to take a powerful development resource that is all too often ignored seriously. It is a resolve to trust people, to place them at the centre of peace and development, regardless of cultural, ethnic, religious and historical backgrounds. It is about the people themselves who, through voluntary action, can become active development actors rather than passive development recipients.

Why is this so important? Why is it important, not only for Sudan but also for promoting the idea of volunteerism for peace and development globally?

There is always the tendency to approach the debate about development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals from a perspective of deficits. Much time is spent on “What is needed”, “What are the shortfalls”, “What are the shortcomings”. And it is obviously important to do so. But it is equally important to remember and take account of the assets that exist. And the core of my message today is that volunteerism is precisely such an asset. An asset that is insufficiently recognized as a key, strategic resource for development. An asset that every country, no matter how poor, can count on. There is a wealth of good will and solidarity, knowledge and social networks that can be tapped into in local communities, here in Sudan and all over the globe. This is all about the capacity to cooperate – to get things done. And so often it can be the magic ingredient that makes the difference. The UN Secretary General spoke about it on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day on 5 December last year. He said: “Volunteering on the ground in communities, or online at home, is a vital channel for ordinary people to perform extraordinary tasks and, in doing so, to underline the wealth of human solidarity that needs to be harnessed if we are to reach our common objectives”.

Gathered here today, let us all be inspired by that very notion. Volunteerism is not just a theoretical concept. It is a live and powerful force for economic and social development, for solidarity and reciprocity that benefits society at large, communities and individual volunteers. Volunteerism is essentially and profoundly optimistic. It is about human potential, striving and achievement. It is about participation, inclusion and citizenship. And I am confident that today’s meeting will go a long way in discovering and mobilizing the potential of that development asset surrounding us. I welcome therefore the fact that we will explore the many and varied expressions of voluntary action and behaviour such as the “Nafeer Fazza or Judia”; that we will agree on the need to identify and put in place measures that create a favourable environment for volunteer action; and that we will further elaborate on the critical role of partnership and engagement of all actors – government, civil society, the UN system, the media, private sector and academia to name a few.

The International Year of Volunteers (IYV) in 2001 put volunteerism on the world map. And indeed we have seen important developments. There has been an increase in campaigns – such as the National Campaign for Peace and Development recently launched by President Omer al Basher – bringing people together in a common cause; national and local volunteer schemes have been established; and supportive national legislation enacted. There has also been a very encouraging growth of networks of volunteer-involving organizations – such as the V Forum, and SECS here in Sudan; and greater engagement on the part of the private sector.

This symposium takes place at another critical juncture In less than two months time, the World Summit will review the progress made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals set out in 2000. While in some parts of the world, the signs are positive, a significant number of countries are falling behind and some are widely off-track. The Secretary General has underscored the need to take this as an opportunity to inject new energy into the pursuit of the Goals. There will be ten years to make significant progress – or to fall further backwards. I am sure all here recognize the implications for peace and security of the latter. Furthermore, the Secretary General will also report to the 60th session of the General Assembly on progress made in following up on the outcome of IYV 2001. Both events provide the opportunity to highlight and pursue the objectives of that Year as well as reinforce the deliberate and systematic connection between volunteerism and mainstream development.

So there is no way but forward. Our discussions today will, I am sure, contribute much to raising awareness of the critical importance of volunteer contributions to development and the significant role volunteers can play, if adequately supported, in helping to move the peace and development agenda – in the right direction.

In closing, over the last days, I have come to learn of the expression “Sawa, Sawa” - literally “Together, Together” – but also signifying the people’s commitment to unity and peace. I feel that indeed we are travelling together – in pursuit of a common and noble vision. And if all the commitment, energy and creativity at this Symposium is representative of what together we can offer – which I believe to be the case – just imagine what can be achieved.

Thank you. Shokran.