29 November 2007

Message by Kemal Dervis,
Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme
On the occasion of International Volunteer Day
5 December 2007

Across the world, millions of people contribute every day to helping to tackle local and global development challenges, volunteering individually or as part of formal programmes.  These contributions are an essential part of the development equation but are too often overlooked or taken for granted.

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2007, I would like to use this opportunity to pay special tribute to those millions who, out of a sense of deep commitment and solidarity, volunteer their time, their skills, and their energy, to help improve the social and economic well-being of people and communities worldwide.

The internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) specifically seek to address many of the major development challenges that the world faces, including the fight against extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, improving maternal health, reducing child mortality, amongst others.  Now, at the midpoint towards the 2015 deadline, it is clear that while many developing countries have made significant progress in human development with millions of people being lifted out of poverty every year, violent conflict, lack of resources, insufficient coordination and weak policies continue to slow down development progress, particularly in Africa.

We need to renew our efforts and there is no doubt that people’s engagement through voluntary action will be critical to this.

Volunteers offer a valuable perspective on an array of development concerns and play a critical role in enabling communities to gain wider access to services, as well as to facilitate the inclusion of all stakeholders, in particular the disadvantaged and marginalized in processes that affect their well-being.  

Volunteerism is one of the most important manifestations of trust and solidarity within and between communities.  When properly recognized and supported it can foster empowerment, broad-based ownership, and participation of those affected by poverty and exclusion.  This is at the heart of UNDP’s collaboration with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.  I am proud of the results we are achieving together.  

The intrinsic value of volunteerism in building social capital and social cohesion is now better understood.  Statistical analysis and research in an increasing number of countries is confirming that the contribution of volunteerism in economic terms is also significant.  As a result, more countries are establishing and refining public policies and legal frameworks that facilitate participation and reduce potential barriers in efforts to encourage and inspire citizens to volunteer for development, in particular in their own communities.  

Volunteers are critical partners for development and deserve every support and recognition for their contribution to development efforts around the world.