The United Nations (UN) in collaboration with the Coalition of Volunteering Organizations Ghana, have commemorated the International Volunteer Day. The programme was used to create awareness on volunteerism.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Resident Coordinator, Christine Evans-Klock, said Volunteerism is a global phenomenon that transcends boundaries, religions and cultural divides, thus volunteers embody the fundamental values of commitment, inclusiveness, civic engagement and a sense of solidarity.
She praised volunteers in Ghana for their good work done so far and urged them to do more.
“We pay special tribute to volunteers worldwide and here in Ghana. This year we want to express appreciation in particular to those who are already working to advocate for and begin implementation of the newly adopted Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, with its 17 goals covering social, economic and environmental development”.
“As we seek ways for the new agenda to take root, volunteerism can be a help in the implementation of the SDGs by reaching those who are marginalized and engaging people who may otherwise not have a chance to make a difference in their communities. In this way volunteers can embody the underlying principle of the goals to leave no one behind” she further stated.
The UN General Assembly has recently approved a resolution on volunteerism that recognizes that volunteerism can be a powerful means of implementation for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and that includes a plan of action to integrate volunteering in peace and development.
She asked all and sundry to help realize the 2030 Agenda vision of ending poverty.
“As we mark International Volunteer Day, let us strive to make the most of the power of volunteerism to build a more sustainable world and a life of dignity for all” she stated.
“The SDGs are universal goals, applying to countries of all stages of development. This means that sustainable development in the 21st century isn’t something which happens to somebody else, somewhere else. We all have a stake in it and every country has work to do to progress towards it”, she concluded.
The International Voluntary Day (IVD), mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on December 5.
It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citifmonline.com/Ghana