2001–2011 Marking the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers

In celebrating IYV10… “We celebrate volunteering as an expression of our common humanity and as a means of building mutual respect, understanding, trust, solidarity and reciprocity. We embrace volunteering as universal and inclusive, and recognize volunteering in its diversity, as well as the purpose that sustains it: a firm belief in the values of equality, solidarity, civic engagement as well as individual and collective freedoms.” From the Vision statement drafted at the consultative stakeholders meeting in October 2009

International Year of Volunteers 2001 UN General Assembly proclaimed 2001as the International Year of Volunteers in recognition of the valuable contribution and further potential of volunteerism for economic and social development. UNV designated as the focal point for the Year’s preparation, implementation and follow-up.

IYV summary accomplishments o 123 national committees o Large numbers of stakeholders through internet at all levels (World Volunteer Web) o By end of 2001, measures to enhance the infrastructure for volunteerism o Res 57/106 (26 Nov 2002) GA reaffirmed the important role of volunteerism to meet the MDGs o In 2005 and again in 2008, the UN Secretary General has reported on follow-up to IYV

IYV+10 and the four objectives… ” Growing up, we had little food and few perspectives. We cut down trees and our homes were full of smoke. Now we have stoves that are better for our health and the environment. They are better for our children. We want our young to grow up healthy and strong young people, to have more choices. We also want them to have a stronger voice. They should have a better life.” Name, 27 years old, is a beneficiary of a community capacity development intervention involving UNDP, UNV and the Government of Nepal that provides improved cooking stoves. Facilitation : ensure volunteer opportunities for diverse people

IYV+10 and the four objectives… Recognition : acknowledge value of volunteerism and relation to MDGs ” Growing up, we had little food and few perspectives. We cut down trees and our homes were full of smoke. Now we have stoves that are better for our health and the environment. They are better for our children. We want our young to grow up healthy and strong young people, to have more choices. We also want them to have a stronger voice. They should have a better life.” Name, 27 years old, is a beneficiary of a community capacity development intervention involving UNDP, UNV and the Government of Nepal that provides improved cooking stoves.

IYV+10 and the four objectives… Networking : strengthen partnerships, exchange experiences ” Growing up, we had little food and few perspectives. We cut down trees and our homes were full of smoke. Now we have stoves that are better for our health and the environment. They are better for our children. We want our young to grow up healthy and strong young people, to have more choices. We also want them to have a stronger voice. They should have a better life.” Name, 27 years old, is a beneficiary of a community capacity development intervention involving UNDP, UNV and the Government of Nepal that provides improved cooking stoves.