Tokyo, Japan: We are gathered here today to honour Mr Takehito Nakata who has been serving as the sole Honorary Ambassador for the United Nations Volunteers programme for 15 years. Read

In his message for International Volunteer Day 2007, UNV Executive Coordinator Ad de Raad recognized the power of volunteerism in building social capital and cohesion, and its contribution to development. He also took this opportunity to express his appreciation to the millions of volunteers, saying "Regardless at what level they (volunteers) act, internationally, nationally or locally, all belong to an extraordinary group of global citizens who make an essential difference in building a better world for all." Read

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2006, UNV Executive Coordinator Ad de Raad marks the fifth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers and salutes the millions of volunteers around the world for their social and economic contributions. Read

Nairobi, Kenya: Fighting poverty and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals is a global responsibility where everyone has a role to play. Governments’ efforts can only complement what ultimately will depend on the full involvement of people all over the world, stressed UNV Executive Coordinator Ad de Raad in his address at the Stand Up Against Poverty Concert in Nairobi. Read

Geneva, Switzerland: UNV programme's Executive Coordinator Ad de Raad reports at the UNDP Executive Board meeting, emphasizing the achievements UNV has made for since the last Board meeting two years ago. Read

Bonn, Germany: Fours years ago today the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001 came to a close. The Year itself ended on a high note, as the four pillars of IYV – greater recognition, promotion, facilitation and networking – generated a momentum that raised the profile of volunteerism and volunteers to a level never seen before. Read

Beijing, China: "It is a great honour to be invited to address this International Forum on Volunteer Service and People’s Olympics. The Games themselves are an ancient tradition and, in many respects, so is volunteering." Read

Ten years and two days ago, Kobe and its surrounding region suffered a terrifying earthquake killing over 6.400 people. It injured some 40.000 and left over 300,000 homeless. Over a million people responded by volunteering their time, skills, energy and compassion to help out. Read

Islamabad, Pakistan: Being together here today in Islamabad, against the backdrop of the beautiful Margalla Hills, I am reminded that human settlements have been found on this site dating back at least 3000 years. That would mean that traditions of volunteerism date back as long. Read

Bonn, Germany: While global momentum behind the Millennium Development Goals increases, more people must be provided with volunteer opportunities if the international community is to meet the targets of the Goals, Ad de Raad, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, expressed today in his message on International Volunteer Day. Read