Geneva, Switzerland: "It is an enormous privilege to address this 111th Inter Parliamentary Assembly for the first time as UNV Executive Coordinator. As focal point in the United Nations for volunteering, the UNV programme recognizes the importance of parliaments and parliamentarians in the national life of citizens and their critical role in promoting and supporting democratic processes. The full engagement of citizens in the life of societies is a vital part of well functioning democracies and volunteering down the ages has always proven to be a significant channel for such participation." Read

Geneva, Switzerland: The 111th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has marked the occasion to launch a Guidance Note on “Volunteerism and Legislation” jointly prepared by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), IPU, and the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme. Read

Barcelona, Spain: Speaking at a special forum of the 18th World Volunteer Conference promoted by the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), Mr. de Raad urged governments to seize volunteerism’s potential in helping to realize their commitments to the MDGs. Read

BONN: I very much appreciate the opportunity to exchange views and thoughts with you about the work of the UN Volunteers programme on the basis of the report that we present today covering the period 2002 to 2003. Read

Bonn, Germany: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme have intensified cooperation to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Read