ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION IN ARMENIA TO HONOR THE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY

armradio.am
04.12.2009 17:50

The Armenian authorities, UN representatives and civil society
activists discussed social and economic importance of volunteerism
for development during a round table discussion today, which honored
the International Volunteer Day, marked on 5 December.

During the event findings of a survey "Measuring economic contribution
of volunteerism in Armenia" were discussed and information about
developments of the National United Nations Volunteer Scheme was
distributed. The National Volunteer Involving Organizations’ network
presented its recommendations aimed to improve draft legislation
on volunteerism.

Welcoming the participants of the round table, Mr. Dirk Boberg,
UNDP Resident Representative a.i. said, "The main objective of
this roundtable is to disclose and discuss the economic value of
volunteerism in Armenia. The UN system values volunteerism as a
driving force for development and has instituted the UNV programme to
support sustainable human development globally through the promotion
of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers." He paid
a special tribute to the two UNV volunteers who lost their lives in
the attack on a UN guest house in Afghanistan in October.

In addition, on 5 December, the volunteers from Armenian civil society
organizations will get together to clean the Tsitsernakaberd Park
and its surroundings and to decorate a Christmas tree for persons
with disabilities.

This year activities have been dedicated to "Volunteerism for our
Planet" in view of the upcoming Conference on Climate Change which
will take place in Copenhagen next week.

Flavia Pansieri, UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator, said, "Across
the world, people volunteer to protect our planet in many ways, from
cleaning up their neighborhoods and organizing recycling schemes,
to campaigning for renewable forms of energy. Being an environmental
volunteer can support many goals, including conserving biodiversity,
addressing desertification and deforestation, reducing waste and
pollution, improving water quality and sanitation, and sharing
information to educate others."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress