We are so busy putting out fires and erecting temporary shelters that we lose track of the big picture. We must, however, take time to reflect, and this year's International Volunteer Day provides an excellent opportunity. At the Millennium Summit in September, the world leaders adopted a declaration citing freedom, equality of individuals and nations, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility as six values fundamental to international relations in the twenty-first century. I sincerely hope that governments will live up to their commitments in support of these values. Meanwhile, the millions of volunteers around the world already fully embrace them through their deeds.
Volunteers are bold enough to stand for something.
They put their hands and their minds, and most of all, their hearts at the service of others. And in doing so, they bring hope to those they help and can give them the strength to overcome their weaknesses. In turn, they are rewarded with the knowledge that they have truly made a difference. Volunteers can help transform all our societies, for the benefit of all people. But for this to happen, societies need to promote volunteerism as a valuable activity, and to facilitate the work of volunteers at home and abroad.