19 November 2002

New York, U.S.A.: On Tuesday, 26 November, the United Nations General Assembly will discuss the outcome of the International Year of Volunteers and its follow-up during two plenary meetings. The Assembly delegates will address the Report of the Secretary-General "International Year of Volunteers: Outcomes and Future Perspectives" (A/57/352) and the resolution "Follow-up to the International Year of Volunteers" (A/57/L.8), which over 120 countries have already co-sponsored.

There will be a live webcast for Tuesday's two General Assembly debates on volunteering -- from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. To view the webcast, please visit www.un.org/webcast

The International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV), proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1997, was a success by all accounts. One hundred and twenty-three National IYV Committees and scores of local, regional and state committees were formed. Networks amongst stakeholders expanded, legislative frameworks and local infrastructure for voluntary action developed, and public awareness and support for volunteerism increased at a global level.

A year later, at the 57th session of the General Assembly, dialogue on volunteering and its contribution to social and economic development continues. In reviewing the steps taken towards achieving the IYV goals of recognition, facilitation, networking and promotion, governments will focus on plans for the future and further support for the goals set out at the Millennium Summit and at other major conferences and summits.

In the resolution, governments, the media, civil society and the private sector are called upon to observe International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (IVD) on 5 December. The forthcoming International Volunteer Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize the contributions and achievements of volunteers and explore the relationship between volunteerism and the Millennium Development Goals. All stakeholders are encouraged to participate in IVD and to build on the momentum and success of the International Year.