UNV Thailand
"The decisions and actions of individuals may seem insignificant in the face of global challenges. But when people choose to devote their time and energy they can, together, make a difference "Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General, International Volunteer Day, 2009 |
The Partners for Prevention Team proudly introduced quarterly e-newsletter for June 2010.This issue offers anupdate on the projects and activities that Partners for Prevention and their partners are working on to include boys and men in preventing gender-based violence in Asia and the Pacific. Partners for Prevention is an interagency initiative of UNDP, UNV, UNIFEM, and UNFPA. Their long term goal is to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence in Asia and the Pacific. |
Our inspiration
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development.
Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. 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 UNV volunteers, throughout the world.
UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity, as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.
UNV and Volunteerism in Thailand
The concept of volunteerism is well engrained in Thai society and culture. The origins of Thai society, like many others, is an agricultural society based on mutual help. Further, one of the major aspects of Buddhism, the religion of most people in Thailand, is 'making merit' (tham bun) through a good karma (deed) aimed at being rewarded by a good or better life in the future and good or better rebirth in the next life. Volunteerism and philanthropic activities are also encouraged through the actions of His Majesty the King of Thailand and the Royal family who have embodied the philosophy of helping others, volunteering their time and commitment to public service.
While the first Thai UNV volunteer was deployed in Tanzania back in 1982 more substantive cooperation with the Thai Government and UNDP Thailand followed the International Year of Volunteers in 2001, supported by Thailand. Until today, almost hundred international UNV volunteers served in Thailand. Currently 25 international UNV volunteers are providing their expertise.
One of the most significant contributions of UNV thus far has been support in 2006 towards the establishment of a National Center for Giving and Volunteering (NCGV), formally launched in May 2007. UNV has also established a PO position in UNDP Thailand. The first PO joined in March 2008.
Photo Gallery: International Volunteer Day in Korat
Tree planting activity in Korat
World Volunteer Web
