United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has applauded the invaluable contributions of all UN volunteers.
“In celebration of International Volunteer Day (IVD), let us commit to embrace the spirit, take charge, and do our individual acts of volunteerism. Let us be hopeful for the rewards that it would bring to the world, to all of us,” Gwyn said.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Bangladesh celebrated International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2023 under the 2023 theme "If Everyone Did."
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The theme underscores the collective power of individuals, urging everyone to engage in voluntary acts for the greater good.
IVD was observed on Tuesday, December 05, 2023, through a virtual event that brought together government officials, UN partners, Volunteer Involving Organization, Civil Society organization, academia, youth-led organization, and volunteers across Bangladesh.
Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Kamrul Hasan joined the occasion as the chief guest.
Hasan said International Volunteer Day is a testament to the remarkable contributions of volunteers in promoting economic and social development.
“It is a day to recognize the selfless efforts of volunteers and their role in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world,” he said.
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Through a video message, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Toily Kurbanov programme said, “Today I say to all volunteers around the globe: Thank you, for choosing to improve the world, for finding inspiration to act, for creating solutions, for keeping our hopes alive. And to the world, our message is: Imagine what we could achieve if all joined in and volunteered.”
UNV Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific Christian Hainzl who joined the event virtually noted that 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.”
There are more than a 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, according to the UN office in Dhaka.
Since the beginning of 2023, more than 180 UN Volunteers have contributed to the work of the United Nations in Bangladesh, helping to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals in the country.
They are helping to ensure good health and well-being, child and maternal health care, access to primary education, promoting gender equality, helping to uphold democracy and peace, taking actions for climate resilience, and supporting poverty alleviation initiatives, among others.
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Country Coordinator, UNV Bangladesh Sonia Mehzabeen in her presentation highlighted the significance of International Volunteer Day and apprised the audience on the volunteering initiatives taken by the UN Volunteers in commemoration of the theme of this year.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme provides global citizens with an opportunity to volunteer across the three pillars of the United Nations system: development, peace and security, and human rights. Administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNV advocates for the recognition of volunteers collaborating with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming and helps to mobilize volunteers throughout the world.
UNV is active in some 160 countries worldwide and represents over 170 nationalities. International Volunteer Day (IVD) is globally celebrated on 5 December.
It was designated by the UN in 1985 as an international observance to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism.