Volunteering is not just an act of kindness; it is a catalyst for change. It is a force that transcends boundaries, unites communities, and empowers individuals.-- Mr. Christian Hainzl, UNV Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific.
There are more than one billion volunteers globally, and half of them are in Asia and the Pacific region. They act for solidarity and humanity for people and the planet. Paying tribute to the volunteers and to the spirit of volunteering in the region, International Volunteer Day 2023 was observed on 24 November 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand under the global theme ‘If Everyone Did…’.
The high-level gathering convened more than 450 onsite participants and more than 3000 online viewers. They included representatives from the Government, UN partners, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Volunteer Involved Organizations, academia, influencers, and volunteers who came together to recognize the spirit of volunteerism in shaping a better world.
The power of everyone in bringing positive change in communities and making the world a better place took center stage at the International Volunteer Day celebration co-hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNV. Thailand’s Minister of Social Development and Human Security H.E. Varawut Silpa-archa who presided over the event noted:
Not everyone can do great things, but if everyone does a little, great things can be accomplished. Together, we shall find the strength to confront the global challenges that affect us all.--H.E. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security.
Mr. Christian Hainzl, UNV Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific hailed volunteers for their dedication, commitment, and resilience in being bridge builders and innovators, and often first responders in times of crisis, reaching out to those harder to reach.
Ms. Cataleya Phatoomros, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Organizations underlined that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand places high importance on volunteerism. She noted that volunteerism is embedded in Thai society adding that:
Volunteers have an important role to play at all levels in ensuring that we reach those furthest behind, and that ultimately no one is left behind.
In 2023, more than twelve thousand UN Volunteers have been serving globally, and 1,933 UN Volunteers have been contributing to peace and development programmes in Asia and the Pacific. Coming from 101 nationalities, they are supporting 33 UN entities in 34 countries to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals across the region.
Panel discussion on the ‘If Everyone Did…’ theme
Through a panel discussion, participants shared firsthand experiences on the power of volunteerism and distinctive initiatives that made exceptional contributions to drive positive changes within communities. The Governor of Bangkok Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt shed light on how volunteers’ engagement brings positive impact from community services including clean-up, trash collection, waste separation to tree planting. Creative actions such as Hackathons, digital volunteers, and Health Volunteers were hailed as some of the striking voluntary initiatives in Bangkok, reflecting the power of collective actions. Dr. Chadchart noted that ‘Volunteering is a true soft power. It comes without any regulation because everybody can be a volunteer.
Dr. Wasan Pattara-atikom, Director of the City Innovation Service Unit, National Science and Technology Development Agency who created the nationwide ‘Traffy Fondue’ platform elaborated on how the platform has emerged as a citizen engagement and empowerment avenue, enabling innovation and direct exchange with citizens. On the occasion of IVD 2023, a new landing page dedicated to showcasing volunteering initiatives was inaugurated. Through this page, more than 400 individuals and organizations submitted their volunteering actions for positive change.
Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand paid tribute to Thailand’s 13 million volunteers, calling it ‘a testament to the scale of volunteerism spirit brought to bear by the people in the country – from village health and agricultural volunteers to social development volunteers and marine rangers protecting coastal resources.’
Dr. Lalana Kongtoranin, an Emergency Physician, Influencer, and Miss Thailand 2006 shared her volunteering journey and how she mobilizes volunteers to address social issues through the ‘Let’s Be Heroes Foundation.’
A group photo of speakers and panelists at the IVD high-level event in Bangkok, Thailand. In the first frame, H.E. Varawut Silpa-archa, Thailand’s Minister of Social Development and Human Security (fifth), delivered remarks as the Guest of Honour.
The panel also featured volunteer-led initiatives across the region including examples from India where Mlahar Kalambe, a young activist and founder of 'Beach Please', engages thousands of people for environmental conservation through beach clean-up. Volunteer Involving Organizations from Sri Lanka were portrayed for their engagement in addressing development challenges from beating plastic pollution, to providing social service to people in need. The panel also highlighted the role of Online Volunteers in the region and around the world whose essential contributions to accelerating the SDGs is sometimes overlooked.
‘Hands-on for a better world exhibition’
Sixteen Volunteer Involved Organizations joined the event to showcase their volunteering programmes. Exhibitioners included the UNDP Youth Co-Lab, Thai Red Cross, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), Mirror Foundation, Friend from Thailand (FFT) – TICA, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Foundation for Thailand Rural Reconstruction Movement Under Royal Patronage among others. Through a digital ‘Pledge for Change,’ individuals were also encouraged to make commitments for a better future through volunteering actions.
Click here to watch how the event unfolded.
Christian Hainzl (center), UNV Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific officiates the exhibition at the IVD celebration in Thailand.
Beniam Gebrezghi (speaking in the front), Program Specialist Civil Society and Youth with UNDP Youth Co-Lab highlighted the integration of youth volunteerism and how volunteers play a role in reaching marginalized or underserved communities, Leaving No One Behind.
Representatives of the Friends from Thailand showcase their volunteer initiatives during the exhibition at IVD celebration in Thailand