UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR POPULATION WORK

7 January 1997

Press Release
DEV/2130
POP/631

UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR POPULATION WORK

19970107 NEW YORK, 7 January (UNFPA) -- Delia Buratto of France, nominated for her work in Zimbabwe, and Bhagwan Shrestha of Nepal, nominated for his work in Guyana, have won the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)/United Nations Volunteers Award for distinguished work in the field of population. The award was presented to the two United Nations volunteers working for the UNFPA who have made the greatest contribution to their country programmes. The candidates were selected by the heads of the UNFPA and the United Nations Volunteers from among nominations submitted to the headquarters of the Volunteers by UNFPA country representatives. There were 13 candidates nominated from country programmes throughout the world. The award consists of a certificate of appreciation and a monetary prize of $2,500 to be given by the UNFPA to a population programme of the winner's choice. The certificates were presented to the two winners by the Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers, Brenda Gael McSweeney, and by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Nafis Sadik at a ceremony at Headquarters today. The award is a one-time event to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations Volunteers. As stated by Ms. McSweeney, "the population dimension has to be addressed, whether one is working in agriculture, education, health and the like". She added: "If no account is taken of population dynamics, even the best planned initiatives may fail. That is why the United Nations Volunteers is delighted that, every year, some 50 of its specialists assist the initiatives of the UNFPA, in demography, public health, or census taking. The UNFPA award is a most relevant and imaginative way of marking the twenty-five years of service of the United Nations Volunteers." According to Dr. Sadik, "the UNFPA suggested the award by way of marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations Volunteers, which has made significant contributions to the work of the Fund and its partners over the years. The UNFPA felt that to honour one or two of the most outstanding contributions would be an appropriate way of honouring all the United Nations Volunteers". Delia Buratto of France was nominated by the UNFPA representative in Zimbabwe. According to the nomination, over three years as a United Nations volunteer, and as a non-allied volunteer for some months before that, she has made a remarkably broad and very significant impact on population action and thinking in the country. She was instrumental in introducing population

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education in schools and in helping to pioneer population studies and training in the university. She was also extremely active in related information work for the wider public. Ms. Buratto helped the Government develop projects in the information, education and communications field, as well as in population dynamics, the trends affecting population growth. She organized the first Executive Committee meeting of the Africa and Middle East Conference of Parliamentarians on Population and Development. In general, Ms. Buratto helped build a consensus for population work among the UNFPA country office, the Government and other personnel of United Nations agencies. Bhagwan Shrestha of Nepal worked in the health and population sectors in Guyana for nearly nine years, particularly with the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA). He was nominated by the UNFPA representative in Jamaica. Travelling throughout the country, Mr. Shrestha trained the Association's staff, health professionals, educators, and community leaders in information, education and communication, as well as in counselling personnel. The GRPA Board and its executive director commended his contributions to the Association and the nation in family planning, family life education, sexual and reproductive health, counselling, community outreach work, community-based distribution of contraceptives, and social and commercial marketing. The United Nations Volunteers programme was founded in 1970 by the General Assembly to foster development cooperation. Since then, more than 14,000 men and women volunteers have served in the United Nations Volunteers. The programme reports to the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and works through UNDP's country offices around the world, being administered and partly funded by the Programme. Its Special Voluntary Fund allows for the launching of innovative volunteer approaches within United Nations development, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations. Each year more than 4,000 volunteers serve the United Nations Volunteers programme; together, they represent more than 120 nationalities and serve in some 134 countries. More than 20 per cent of all the volunteers are involved closely in the communities they serve. The programme does not offer career opportunities as such; the main motivation of a United Nations volunteer is to be of service, in keeping with the spirit of volunteerism. The programme's contracts are usually for two years, with shorter assignments for peace- building, electoral or emergency relief operations. Professional experience is a pre-condition of service; virtually all United Nations volunteers hold degrees from technical institutions or universities and have several years of working experience. A monthly living allowance is provided to cover the volunteer's expenses in the country of assignment. The UNFPA helps developing countries find solutions to their population problems. The Fund began operations in 1969. It is the largest international source of population assistance, and about a quarter of such assistance to developing countries is channelled through the Fund, which works in 150 countries throughout the world.

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