New York, U.S.A.: The General Assembly, in its resolution 55/57, requested the Secretary-General to report to it at its fifty-seventh session on the outcome of the International Year of Volunteers and its follow-up. The present report describes the background to the Year, provides an overview of actions taken, presents conclusions and discusses the future. Read

"I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you, on behalf of UNV, the United Nations Volunteer programme. Time is short, so let's get to the heart of the matter." Read

Johannesburg, South Africa: Delegates to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) have directed their attention to the three recognized cornerstones of sustainable development: economic growth, environmental protection and social development. In a statement at the WSSD, the head of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) has proposed a fourth cornerstone to empower and stabilize development strategies: voluntary action. Read

Johannesburg, South Africa: Panellists taking part in a side event on community involvement and volunteering at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) have urged governments to increase cooperation with voluntary organizations in a bid to improve chances for a cleaner, safer and more prosperous world. Read

Bonn, Germany: UN Volunteers' Honorary Ambassador, Mr. Takehito Nakata of Japan, paid his first visit to Viet Nam from 11 to 17 August. Viet Nam was the 26th country Mr. Nakata visited in his capacity as Honorary Ambassador. "I am glad to be able to see first hand how Viet Nam overcomes difficulties through its reform process," he said. "I have a great respect for Vietnamese culture and traditions. I am always standing by the people of Viet Nam." Read

Ha Noi, Viet Nam: The Honorary Ambassador of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, Mr. Takehito Nakata of Japan, today began a five-day visit to Viet Nam to promote the work of the United Nations and UNV. Read

Bonn, Germany: Volunteers are adding their voices to fervent calls for increased efforts to bring sustainable development and revitalized economic activity to the African continent. As the Group of Eight (G8) leaders prepared to tackle challenges raised by the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), such as steps to reduce poverty and corruption as well as to increase investment and debt relief, a group of Southern Africans took a parallel track and appealed for pro-volunteer policies and legislation. Read

New York, U.S.A.: The two-day Goodwill Ambassador and Messengers of Peace Meetings was host to 48 prominent personalities from the arts, film, music, sports, literature and public affairs. The event was an opportunity to promote a better understanding of the United Nations and the roles of celebrities with the organization. Read

New York, U.S.A.: Honorary Ambassador Takehito Nakata of Japan will represent United Nations Volunteers (UNV) at a gathering of United Nations Messengers of Peace (MOP) and Goodwill Ambassadors (GWA) at United Nations Headquarters from 18 to 19 June 2002. Read

Beijing, China: Experts on volunteering from 26 countries Tuesday called on governments and the United Nations to encourage the use of voluntary action "in addressing the full range of development challenges". Read