SECRETARY-GENERAL COMMENDS ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS IN IMPROVING HUMAN CONDITION

Press Release
SG/SM/7634

SECRETARY-GENERAL COMMENDS ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS IN IMPROVING HUMAN CONDITION

Message for International Volunteer Day Notes Effort Of New Group To Spread Information Technology in Developing Countries

This is the text of the message of Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the observance, on 5 December, of International Volunteer Day:

In today’s world of turmoil and disaster, it is not always easy to step back and see where we are going as an interdependent global community. We are so busy putting out fires and erecting temporary shelters that we lose track of the big picture. We must, however, take time to reflect, and this year’s International Volunteer Day provides an excellent opportunity.

At the Millennium Summit in September, the world leaders adopted a declaration citing freedom, equality of individuals and nations, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility as six values fundamental to international relations in the twenty-first century. I sincerely hope that governments will live up to their commitments in support of these values. Meanwhile, the millions of volunteers around the world already fully embrace them through their deeds.

Volunteers are bold enough to stand for something. They put their hands and their minds and, most of all, their hearts at the service of others. And in doing so they bring hope to those they help and can give them the strength to overcome their weaknesses. In turn, they are rewarded with the knowledge that they have truly made a difference. Their courage and dedication should be an inspiration for others -– for all of us –- to act.

Volunteers can help transform all our societies, for the benefit of all people. But for this to happen, societies need to promote volunteerism as a valuable activity, and to facilitate the work of volunteers at home and abroad.

We must also explore new avenues for volunteer action. In my Millennium report, issued earlier this year, I announced the creation of a corps of volunteers to train groups in developing countries in how to use and apply information technology for human development. I am very please that some 40 volunteers have already joined the new United Nations Information Technology Service (UNITeS) and taken up assignments in developing countries. I hope many more will join.

- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/7634 20 November 2000

UNITeS volunteers share the same qualities as the larger pool of United Nations volunteers, the 4,500 professionals who serve in their country or abroad. More than two thirds of these are from developing countries, working in neighbouring States or overseas in a true expression of South-South cooperation. Like the countless other volunteers working around the world, they are responsive and flexible in meeting the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our rapidly changing world. As the world’s pulse constantly quickens, we need more volunteers.

On the occasion of the first International Volunteer Day of the Millennium and the launch of the International Year of Volunteers, 2001, let us salute and recognize their crucial contribution to our societies and to improving the lives of people everywhere.

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