12 February 2001

New York, USA: At United Nations Headquarters from 10 a.m. on Thursday, 15 February, expert panelists called in by the United Nations Commission for Social Development will kick off a day of discussions on the role of volunteerism in social development. Key representatives of Governments, UN agencies and civil society will consider the contribution of volunteers to addressing global problems of poverty, civil conflicts and HIV/AIDS and will review how governments can best support voluntary action.

Deliberations at the Commission's 39th session, from 13 to 23 February, coincide with the International Year of Volunteers (2001) -- a year designated by the UN General Assembly. The Bonn-based United Nations Volunteers (UNV) is serving as global focal point for IYV 2001.

The Commission, which comprises 46 Member States, is expected to adopt a resolution highlighting key characteristics of pro-volunteer policies to be included on national agendas. These are likely to include legislative and regulatory measures to remove barriers blocking effective voluntary action at the community level. The briefing document for the session urges closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, youth, older persons, people with disabilities and other population groups to promote voluntary action. It also notes a need for training and volunteering research.

The expert panelists are:

1. Dr. Michael Bürsch, (Germany): Dr. Bürsch is a member of the German Federal Parliament and Chairman of the Study Commission on the Future of Civic Activities.

2. Ms. Joan Denise Daries, (South Africa): Ms. Daries is the Director of the Volunteer Centre of Cape Town and Chairperson of both the National IYV Committee of South Africa (Volunteer South Africa 2001) and the South African National Aid Council task Force (SANAC).

3. Mr. Dasho Meghraj Gurung, (Bhutan): Mr. Gurung serves as Vice Chairperson of the National IYV Committee of Bhutan and the Board for Sustainable Development, Bhutan who is familiar with the local characteristics of volunteerism manifested through traditional mutual aid and self-help systems.

4. Mr. Miguel Darcy Oliveira: (Brazil): Mr. Oliveira is the founder and coordinator of Institute for Cultural Action (IDAC), special adviser to the First Lady of Brazil, Ruth Cardoso, in her capacity as Honorary President of the National IYV Committee.

5. Dr. Justin Davis Smith (United Kingdom): Dr. Davis Smith is the founding director of the Institute for Volunteering Research. He has contributed to substantive discussions on volunteering organized within the framework of the United Nations.