— International Volunteer Day (IVD), mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on the 5th of December. This International Day is a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities, and the private sector.

Thanks to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and MONUSCO support, United Nations Volunteers had the opportunity to organize activities ranging from a sensitization session on WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in a refugee camp to a training on youth social entrepreneurship.

In partnership with local associations and NGOs, activities took place in 8 different duty stations (Kinshasa, Goma, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, Minova, Kisangani, Gbadolite and Entebbe), gathering more than 1.500 people.

On this occasion, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to the DRC, Maman S. Sidikou said in a statement that he welcomes the commitment and professionalism of United Nations volunteers who, within MONUSCO and United Nations agencies, demonstrate great creativity and a high sense of solidarity in the promotion of peace and development in the DRC.

In the North Kivu Provincial capital, Goma, the UNV programme in the DRC organized several activities such as a football tournament involving UN Volunteers, MONUSCO and UN agencies civilian staff, uniformed personnel and local associations, a photography exhibition portraying the work of volunteers in the DRC and their contribution to the global goals and different booths where local associations were able to promote their work.
Speaking to the press at the event, Simone Beccaria, UNV programme manager in the DRC said that International Volunteer Day is a day to pay tribute to all volunteers who are giving their time and expertise to create a positive impact on people’s lives. “There are more than 500 UN Volunteers within MONUSCO and UN agencies and we could definitely not fulfill our mission without them”, he concluded.

By Joseph Tabung Banah

About the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme
The UNV programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, throughout the world. Based in Bonn, Germany, UNV is active in around 130 countries every year. UNV, with Field Units in 86 countries, is represented worldwide through the offices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and reports to the UNDP Executive Board.