Every country depends on volunteers, but few give them the kind of respect they deserve.
Volunteers look after infants, the elderly, the sick.
UNV is the focal point for IYV 2001. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in his keynote address at the opening ceremony for IYV 2001 at United Nations Headquarters, called on governments and institutions worldwide to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of volunteers. Societies need to recognize and promote volunteerism as a valuable activity. Volunteerism remains largely undervalued and overlooked as a positive force for social development. IYV 2001 can turn that around.