‘On International Volunteer Day (IVD) we
recognize the contribution of volunteers to peace and development worldwide.
Today, we are highlighting the millions of young volunteers around the world
who are acting globally for social change.
There are more
than 1.2 billion youth in the world today, with incredible potential to tackle
challenges and act as agents of change. When young people volunteer, the
opportunity provides them with valuable life and job skills; it strengthens
their capacity to lead and become engaged in their communities and global
society.
I am especially
grateful to the nearly 1,000 young UN Volunteers who are supporting the work of
the United Nations for peace, sustainable development and human rights.
UN Volunteers work alongside UN staff to improve the lives of some of the most
vulnerable populations in the world. They will continue to play a key
role in accelerating our work for the Millennium Development Goals, combating
climate change and shaping and implementing the post-2015 development agenda.
Volunteerism is a
two-way street. Even as volunteers help generate positive change for
others, their own lives are often transformed by the act of volunteering
itself. On this International Volunteer Day, let us renew our
commitment to offering young people diverse and meaningful volunteer opportunities
to become active and confident contributors to global change.’
Ban Ki-moon
