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| Contributions for social development lauded |
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| Monday, December 06, 2010 |
Islamabad
Nation across the country marked the International Volunteers’ Day Sunday to acknowledge the valuable services of volunteers, their contribution for social and economic development.
Public and private organizations arranged different events including conferences, rallies and seminars to highlight the importance of volunteerism.
Pakistan is one the top five countries where volunteers have registered more than 1.5 million hours of efforts to tackle climate change and other environmental issues.
The other top four countries are India, Kenya, Nigeria and the Philippines.
Only one western country, the United States, is in the top 10 countries, according to
UN Volunteer (UNV) programme.
To mark the day, National Volunteers Movement (NVM) arranged a function to pay tribute to the services of young volunteers who worked day and night during earthquake and flood disaster.
Around 100 young volunteers participated in the colourful function.
Director General, National Volunteers Movement Nazar Hussain Nazar, on the occasion, said Pakistani nation is filled with the spirit of volunteerism and there is need to give them opportunity and guidance.
He informed that NVM has planned to impart training to the more volunteers how to serve during natural calamities and about first aid disaster management, flood relief, rescue and rehabilitation.
Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education celebrated the Day through National Council of Social Welfare and its projects and centres located throughout the country.
There is a strong ethic of volunteerism in Islam and the religion greatly values the voluntary work done for fellow human beings and promises many rewards for such people. Pakistan has a strong tradition of volunteering, as evidenced by its large voluntary part in October 2005 earthquake and the recent disaster of floods in 2010.
Pakistan considers volunteerism to be one of the most important tools for addressing problem of exclusion. It provides a vehicle for empowering the excluded population groups to gain access to opportunities. Pakistan believes volunteerism a valuable asset, which needs to be strategically factored into development, polices and programmes.
Local voluntary involvement is always a valuable and indispensable contribution to the improvement of social indicators, promotion of economic development and empowerment of people to take charge. It reinforces a sense of collective responsibility and brings about a tangible difference to the lives of many.
Volunteers’ Day is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985.
The declared aim of this activity is to thank the volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society. The day is celebrated in majority countries of the world.
The International Volunteer Day is marked by many non- governmental organizations, including Red Cross, scouts and others. It is also marked and supported by United Nations Volunteers.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
