Promoting Volunteerism for Peace and Development

L UN Volunteers sailed the Nile on the 13 December in 2008 to empower the people of Egypt to reach the MDGsthrough volunteer effortsInternational Year of Volunteers IYV+ 10In November 1997, the United NationsGeneral Assembly proclaimed 2001 asthe International Year Volunteers (IYV).The United Nations Volunteers (UNV)programme was designated as theinternational focal point.The premise underlying IYV 2001 wasthat voluntary service makes an essentialcontribution in addressing problems inareas of social, economic, cultural,humanitarian and peace building. For thisto happen, there was a need for greaterrecognition and facilitation of volunteerwork, more vigorous promotion ofvoluntary service, and networks tofacilitate a drawing upon – the “goodpractice” – of volunteers. The designationof an International Year of Volunteers bythe UN General Assembly (GA) provideda valuable framework and established afavorable environment enabling a morestrategic use of volunteer contributions.The year 2011 marks the 10th anniversaryof the International Year of Volunteers (IYV)in 2001.Opportunities exist for activitiesthroughout 2011 that will showcase thediversity, breadth and depth of volunteeringworldwide and offer the chance to raise theprofile of volunteering and mobilize manymore volunteers.Throughout 2011, UNV willpartner with different stakeholders toexchange and develop ideas and actionsfor raising awareness about thecontribution of volunteerism to peace anddevelopment; acknowledging theimportance of the work already