A world with eight billion volunteers

More than a billion volunteers around the world act for solidarity and humanity for people and planet. IVD is a day to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and to recognize the value of volunteerism in peace and development.

The theme of IVD this year centers on the power of everyone – collective action – if everyone did. If everyone volunteered the world would be a better place. As Iraq marches on its way to development, it is volunteers’ time to shine. Volunteers bring hope. Volunteers dream not of lofty ambitions but of solutions to improve the lives of people around them.

In Iraq, IVD was commemorated through a series of activities under the theme "If everyone did." In Baghdad, a high-level event – bringing together government officials, civil society and the United Nations – addressed how volunteering can help address Iraq's development challenges.

In his opening remarks; HE Mr. Ahmed Al-Mubarqaa, Minister of Youth and Sports; emphasized “Volunteering is a rooted trait among Iraqis since ancient times, symbolizing the generosity that characterizes all Iraqis”. He added, “just last week, more than 60 permits for volunteering groups were issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports." Dr. Al-Mubarqaa praised the role of the United Nations in transferring global experiences to Iraq for the benefit of the youth, especially in the last two decades.

Ghulam Isaczai, the UN Resident Coordinator for Iraq, stated that the United Nations is very proud to celebrate International Volunteer Day jointly with the Iraqi Government. He continued, “We underscore our commitment, to mainstreaming volunteerism and civic engagement, into national development plans and by extension, into the programs of the UN Country team.”

The event also showcased winning ideas from UNV Iraq’s first hackathon, organized jointly by UNV, UNDP and UNAMI Iraq. The hackathon had young people competing to develop best ideas about "digitalization for better delivery of social services." This highlighted a commitment to using technology for practical benefits. The winners were given the stage to present their ideas to the attending decision makers.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was represented by Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, the Deputy Executive Coordinator, who said “As peace gives impetus for Iraq to move from crisis context to development". Adding that ”UNV looks forward to work with the Government of Iraq and integrate volunteers into the country's sustainable development agenda.

A photo exhibition featuring UN Volunteers in action added a visual aspect to the event.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

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, works 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), on 5 December, was designated by the UN in 1985 as an international observance to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism.