"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   In the Spotlight: 2011 State of the World's Volunteerism Report : Volunteers critical to achieving development goals Thailand noted for contributions of faith-based organizations 5 December 2011, BANGKOK — (United Nations Volunteers) – Volunteerism provides an important path out of poverty as well as a means to overcome social exclusion, as the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) illustrates.There are numerous examples from the developing world of how volunteering can empower the income poor by building up social, human, natural, physical, financial and political capital. This is based on growing evidence that the income poor in developing countries are both givers and receivers of support... Read more>> Download the 2011 State of the World's Volunteerism Report Read Secretary General's Message on International Volunteer Day   LATEST NEWS: Volunteers honored for contributions to Thailand's development 31 December 2011 —In honor of the contributions have made in the lives of the Thai people, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security hosted a celebration at the Miracle Grand Hotel on December 21.  The event honoured hundreds of volunteers and was attended by more than 1,500 participants, including government, volunteer involving organizations and the media. Read more>>   Government, UN to recognize important contributions of volunteers 21 December 2011 — This year, In recognition of the important contributions of volunteers make in the lives of the Thai people, the Ministry will host a celebration at the Miracle Grand Hotel on December 21st which will mark the recognition of International Volunteer Day in Thailand (December 5) and the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. Read more>> Meet Daniel, a United Nations Volunteer, serving with UNHCR... KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: In this UNV short film, Daniel, a United Nations Volunteer made a powerful choice--to work with UNHCR as an Associate Resettlement Officer. His work has helped hundreds of refugees find new homes in countries all over the world.   'One Day on Earth' film highlights active role of volunteers in flood relief efforts BANGKOK, THAILAND, 21 November 2011—Volunteers are playing an active role in helping Thailand recover from the worst flooding in its history. As a part of "One Day On Earth,"UNV Programme Officer Maridel Alberto took a guided tour of flood ravaged areas of Bangkok in an effort to give credit to thousands of volunteers who are a major force behind the relief and early recovery efforts. Read more>>     UNV Volunteers greet Thai public at Volunteer Street Fair 1 January 2011- Benjasiri Park in Bangkok came alive with the Volunteer Street Fair held on December 10-11in celebration of the International Volunteer Day (IVD). Organized by the Volunteer Spirit Network, with support from the United Nations Volunteers, 40 volunteer organizations set up their booths to showcase the work they do in their communities and provide an opportunity for the public to sign up for rewarding volunteering activities. UNV Deputy Executive Coordinator Naheed Haque gave the Opening Statement, citing His Majesty as the greatest role model for Thais, and saluting all the volunteers serving in Thailand and all over the world. Read more>>   Partners for Prevention Team introduces quarterly e-newsletter June 2010: 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. Read it>>

 

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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 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

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