04 March 2004

Bonn, Germany: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme have agreed to intensify their cooperation on issues of common interest and concern in a joint letter of understanding, signed by Markku Niskala, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Ad de Raad, Executive Coordinator a.i., of the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme.

IFRC and UNV have pledged to work as partners in operational areas, as well as advocacy and thematic activities. Both organizations recognize as a core objective, the promotion of an enabling environment for volunteers and voluntary action, to help achieve and sustain the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They are a set of measurable and time-bound goals and targets, to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women agreed upon by 189 governments at the September 2000 United Nations Millennium Summit.

The two organizations have made the battle against HIV/AIDS (MDG #6), especially in the sub-Saharan region of Africa a top priority. UNV and IFRC will together draw upon the resources of volunteerism, as a force for community mobilization to train and equip stricken communities to take an active and productive role in activities against the pandemic. Furthermore, UNV and IFRC will explore build on the experience gained during recent summits and major events such as the World Summit on Ageing, the World Conference on HIV/AIDS and the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

A guidance note will be developed for presentation to policy makers attending the108th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Mexico City in April 2004. The note which will also be distributed to governments, parliaments, and international organizations will promote national legislation conducive to a healthy volunteering environment, in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union.