China launches its first national volunteer association

The United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China, Renata Lok-Dessallien, celebrated the launch of the China Volunteers Association (CVA) at the Great Hall of People on 26 April 2011. This inclusive volunteer association aims to foster and promote the culture of volunteerism for social development and solidarity.

UNV Programme Officer Carla del Castillo, and UNV Country Operations Assistant Zhang Xiaodan, in addition to 400 senior officials from member organizations of the CVA, volunteer representatives from civil society organizations and government organizations attended the event. Li Liguo, Minister of Civil Affairs, Zhou Tienong, President of CVA, and Renata Lok-Dessallien all delivered speeches.

Ms Lok-Dessallien conveyed congratulations on behalf of UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri: “I am very pleased to extend to you my warmest congratulations on the launch of the China Volunteers Association. This is an important day for the voluntary sector in China, because CVA is the first ever national umbrella organization to coordinate all volunteering activities that so far have been primarily carried out by various sectorial bodies. China’s abundant volunteering spirit can now be gathered under one umbrella to contribute to peace and development in China, and inspire others worldwide.”

Ms Lok-Dessallien also commended China’s distinctive volunteering spirit, and admired the role that volunteers play in reaching not only the MDGs but also the Government’s vision of a ‘Xiaokang’ (modest or middle class) society and a more inclusive growth strategy: “In regards to the MDGs, China has lifted more people out of poverty in the last 30 years than any other country in human history. By guiding the volunteer community, CVA can add to this effort, and also play an important role in the achievement of the Government’s vision of a ‘Xiaokang’ society, and also in China’s increasing role of contributing to development elsewhere through south-south cooperation.” She also commented on the on-going celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10).

The CVA is a united, national and non-profit social organization composed of volunteers, volunteer service organizations and the agencies that support and disseminate volunteerism.  The CVA’s main working areas are the protection of volunteer interests, the regulation of volunteers’ roles and the development of volunteers’ capabilities.

UNDP and UNV look forward to collaborating with the CVA in terms of strengthening volunteerism across China as a significant means of increasing inclusive, people-centred, sustainable development.