Annan hails dedication, courage of volunteers
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today hailed the dedication and courage of millions of selfless volunteers who, day-in day-out, work without publicity to help millions of others in a world dominated by news of war, conflicts and other man-made disasters.
“Volunteers do not ask, ‘why volunteer?’ but rather ‘when?’ ‘where?’ and ‘how?’” Mr. Annan said in a message marking International Volunteer Day. “These dedicated and courageous individuals are important partners in the quest for a better, fairer and safer world.”
Noting the daily dose of adverse news about man-made disasters, he declared: “It is often a challenge not to lose heart when we see the suffering inflicted on so many millions of people throughout the world. But far away from the spotlight, there are millions of generous individuals who, around the clock and around the world, roll up their sleeves and volunteer to help in any way they can.”
Whether working alone or as part of organized movements, they care for the old, the sick and the handicapped, Mr. Annan said. They help people with HIV/AIDS, teach children to read and young adults the vocational skills, build houses, clean rivers, dig wells, protect human rights, build democracy, resolve conflict and maintain peace. They rush relief supplies to people struck by calamity and work with marginalized groups to ensure that their needs are heard and met.
Paying tribute to “one of their greatest champions,” Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of the UN Volunteers (UNV) who died last month, Mr. Annan concluded: “Let us remember that each contribution - no matter how small - can help make a difference.”
Listen to UN Radio:
1
Report 2