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Inclusive Future: Celebration For International Volunteer Day

Local
11 December 2019
11894
2019-12-11 10:12

A conference on celebrating International Volunteer Day (IVD) took place in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday.

This year, IVD focuses on SDG 10 and the pursuit of equality and inclusion through volunteerism.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is a United Nations organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.

The UNV Programme was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1970 and the Programme has been active in Myanmar since 1991.

The Deputy Director General of the Department of Rehabilitation stated that the  values of cooperation and working together are the essence of volunteerism, values which are of great importance in Myanmar as the country goes through its transition, building social harmony. Ensuring that on one is left behind, volunteerism is directly linked to the implementation of the SDGs everywhere.

Deputy Director General, Department of Rehabilitation, Dr. Tun Zaw said “This commemoration day is to honour those in the filed of volunteer work not only in Myanmar but also in the world. Our country is one the countries that perform variety of volunteer works. There was a resolution made at the UN General Assembly in 2001. It said that in implementing the development works, the role of volunteers plays an important part.”

He added that volunteerism directly benefits the community, while recognizing the diversity of the world. It is universal as it is an activity in which everyone can participate, regardless of age, gender and level of education.

Deputy Director General, Department of Rehabilitation, Dr. Tun Zaw said “The significant of volunteer work is that it brings all inclusiveness and free from discrimination. No matter how different in age, race, gender, religion and social status, people living in this society perform the volunteer works with responsibility. This also bring social cohesion among the community.” 

Over 300 key stakeholders in the field of volunteer work attended the conference.

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