SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Press Release
SG/SM/6118
SECRETARY-GENERAL'S STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
19961203 Following is the statement of Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, 5 December:At times, the goals enshrined in the United Nations Charter may seem remote or even unattainable, especially in the face of persistent conflict and the multitude of other problems that plague our world. Fortunately, there is a corps of dedicated individuals -- United Nations Volunteers -- undaunted by such challenges. They serve as an inspiration to us all. They are not only living symbols of the Organization's enduring commitment to peace, development and democratization; they are proof that progress towards our great objectives is being made.
United Nations Volunteers are the backbone of the Human Rights Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA). Volunteers helped elections take place in Cambodia, Mozambique and South Africa, ushering in new eras of democracy. In Uganda, they helped women's groups launch AIDS-related projects, including a foster-parent system, skill training for orphans and care for the afflicted. And in Costa Rica, "eco-volunteers" were involved in water and seashore conservation, urban sanitation and the creation of urban "green belts".
In these and all other efforts in more than 130 developing countries, United Nations Volunteers work constructively and unselfishly towards the betterment of life. Nearly 4,000 strong, they represent some 125 nationalities and possess an extraordinary range of abilities and experience. Among them are doctors and engineers, demographers and teachers, specialists in agriculture and experts in trade, banking and finance. They work at the grass-roots level, helping people help themselves. They place special emphasis on activities involving young people.
In a world where the search for peace, justice and prosperity requires ever-widening cooperation, volunteers will be increasingly vital to human progress. The generous spirit of volunteerism deserves to be nurtured and supported by all leaders. On this International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, I offer my good wishes and heartfelt thanks to United Nations Volunteers and volunteers everywhere for their invaluable contributions.
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