IIMSAM official Dr. Naseer Homoud observed International Volunteer Day

While marking International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said “The United Nations Millennium Development Goals set global targets and indicators to assess progress on such issues as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality, promoting gender equality and empowering women and ensuring environmental sustainability. None of these will be achieved without the civic engagement of millions of individuals giving their time through voluntary effort.” He urged to support sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism and mobilization of volunteers while observing International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development.

International Volunteer Day (IVD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1985 to highlight the invaluable contribution of volunteers in out communities worldwide. Since then, governments, the UN System and civil society organizations have successfully joined Volunteers around the world to celebrate this Day. Held on December 5th, IVD provides an opportunity for Volunteer-involving organizations and individual Volunteers to work together in projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. By merging United Nations support with a grassroots mandate, IVD is a unique opportunity where government agencies, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, community groups, the private sector and Volunteer-involving organizations can work together to attain common goals.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud said “Volunteer Day offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals”. Dr. Homoud stressed on the need for voluntarism and urged individuals particularly youths to come up with unified agenda for the overall preservation of our planet. “IVD provides an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to work together in projects and campaigns bringing added visibility to their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels”. He added.

“This year theme as adopted by United Nations Volunteers for the celebration of IVD this year is 'Volunteering for our Planet. The theme itself is descriptive and it calls for appreciation from all corners. It is a time to realize, appreciate and to encourage the volunteers who are working tirelessly across the globe for the welfare of the community at large and we should be supportive to this mega movement” Dr. Homoud said while appreciating the concept of voluntarism and the people who are volunteering for the larger interests.

Dr. Naseer urged governments and individuals to realize the importance of voluntarism. He added that it is a fact that voluntarism is not recognized at many levels as an effective tool for welfare and community tasks. “The nature and role of a volunteer stands for change in their operations depending on circumstances, but the underlying principle is always the same- every human being can make a difference”. Dr. Homoud added.
Voluntary service is defined as a non-profit, non-wage and non-career action that individuals carry out for the well-being of their neighbors, community or society. With the onset of the 21stCentury, voluntary service is needed more than before to manage areas of priority concern in social, economic, cultural, humanitarian and peace-building aspects of society. “Every country depends on volunteers. They look after infants, the elderly and the sick. They help edify children, keep the environment clean, and make our communities safer places to live. They are the lifeline of healthy societies everywhere” Dr. Homoud added.

On this IVD IIMSAM Middle East Office high patronage and guidance of His Excellency Ambassador Remigio M. Maradona Director General of the IIMSAM pledge to organize lectures and symposiums to educate people on environmental control and waste management. IIMSAM is committed to volunteerism and we shall endeavor our best to mobilize people across the region most particularly in Qatar and Jordan to let the people realize the importance of preserving our planet and I am optimistic that our efforts shall yield positive results”. Dr. Homoud said while outlining his mission and programme for a week long celebrations on this year IVD. Speaking further, he further outlined that IIMSAM Mid East office will also be taking part in special programmes across the region to mark the centenary. “We plan to invite all people to be part of these special celebrations too. It is by sharing our volunteering experience that new volunteers will be interested in joining. IIMSAM will certainly grow and develop when it attracts more volunteers to share their time and talents with us”. Dr. Homoud said while concluding his address on the occasion.