DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS VOLUNTEERISM, EMBODYING BASIC VALUES,

IS ‘ULTIMATE EXPRESSION’ OF UNITED NATIONS IDEALS

Comments Mark General Assembly Debate on Outcome of International Year

This is the text of remarks today by Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette at a luncheon on the occasion of the General Assembly debate on the outcome of the International Year of Volunteers, 2001:

I am delighted that we are gathered here today to honour the volunteer spirit that has done so much to advance the aims of the United Nations.  The International Year of Volunteers was a milestone of recognition given to the work of volunteers, inspiring countries from every region, and involving a diversity of stakeholders –- governments and civil society, as well as the private sector, academia and the media.

Volunteerism embodies, in essence, one of the basic values we all share:   to put aside for a moment one's own needs and do something for others.  As the Secretary-General said at the opening of the International Year of Volunteers -– “Volunteering is the ultimate expression of what the United Nations is all about.”  Volunteerism is not about words; it is about action.  It is individuals doing good, giving of their time and expertise for the betterment of the community.  And in our globalized world, the meaning of "community" is no longer confined to the local church or hospital.  Volunteers are engaged in the fight against global problems such as AIDS, environmental degradation, violence against women, natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

In the United Nations, this is exemplified by the United Nations Volunteers Programme.  United Nations volunteers show the brave and caring face of our common humanity, giving of their expertise to protect human rights, promote development and give people a voice, all around the world.  Their work, often unpublicized, is absolutely essential for every United Nations mission.  Whether monitoring elections or teaching children, preserving the environment or clearing mines, they make a very concrete contribution to achieving the objectives of the United Nations.  We owe them a debt of gratitude.

I also must say a few words about Sharon Capeling-Alakija, who unfortunately could not be here with us today.  Her strong leadership of the United Nations Volunteers Programme has brought it to the forefront of UN action.  She has

staunchly and convincingly laboured for the recognition of the potential of UN volunteers, and I believe she has succeeded, both within the United Nations system and with Member States.  She is a person who fervently believes in her mission, and who has expanded the perception of what UN volunteers can accomplish.  She has ensured that words of commitment are always matched with deeds.

Many others here today contributed to making the International Year of Volunteers a success.  Thanks to your efforts, volunteering is recognized as having a central role to play in confronting many of the global challenges we face today.  I especially would like to recognize the Government of Japan, which took the initiative for the Year.

We now need to look ahead and build on the momentum and success of the Year.  The engagement of volunteers is needed more than ever, as we embark to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.  Societies will need to recognize and promote volunteerism as a valuable activity, to facilitate the work of volunteers and to encourage volunteer action at home and abroad.  Volunteers themselves should continue to develop global networks, which enable them to learn from each other’s experiences.

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