Nine months into the COVID-19 global pandemic, we cannot deny the long-term effects on the economic and social fabric worldwide. The challenge is unique and volunteer response has been, and continues to be, critical.
“The efforts of 1 billion volunteers is an important foundation at a pivotal moment for development to enable us to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sated by The Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations Amina J. Mohammed, already in July of this year.
Dr. Tarek Elsheikh, the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General said: “Millions of volunteers worldwide have acted against the direct threat posed by COVID-19 in a significant outpouring of solidarity. The COVID-19 crisis has also demonstrated that technology can extend volunteering. For example, with the aim of flooding digital space with accurate information amid an era of information misuse, the UN launched the ‘Verified’ initiative. People around the world have become “information volunteers” and share UN-verified, science-based online. Through this volunteer-based initiative, so far, over 2.6 billion people have been reached with verified COVID-19 prevention and health information” The United Nations in Kuwait is keen to collaborate with the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs and The Public Authority For Youth to capitalize on UNV volunteering solutions, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, ILO and other UN Specialized agencies to support in the implementation by mobilizing national and international volunteers to handle the operations of this joint programme.”
“Volunteering is one of the most positive wonderful acts and behaviors which reinforce and support the development of the personality and character of an individual especially children and youth. It teaches the principles of giving without expecting anything in return, aiding the vulnerable, and developing the sense of responsibility and commitment, it’s a symbol of a nation’s development, civilization and prosperity. “One of Kuwait’s culture is to support the involvement of community members of all groups in volunteering, which has been a fertile environment for attracting many from all age groups to join voluntary teams with diverse goals and purposes and display a sense of unity especially during the COVID-19 crisis” Dr. Tarek Elsheikh added.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic rips across the world, volunteers have been at the forefront of medical, community and societal responses. Volunteers provide medical care, shop for at-risk neighbors or care for elderly people living alone. People are manning mental health lines, volunteering for the vaccine trials and creating economic innovations in a time of social distancing. The COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan by the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies community volunteers as key stakeholders for risk communication and community engagement”. Said Mr. Jason Pronyk, United Nations Volunteers Programme Regional Manager for Arab States.
The General Director of the Public Authority for Youth Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi affirmed that: “ At the Public Authority for Youth, we pay great attention to youth voluntary work, the Authority provides support and care for youth volunteers to enable them to perform their noble mission in a distinctive way that serves the society”.
Al-Mutairi also said: “on the occasion of the anniversary of the International Volunteer Day, the Commission has a firm belief that the youths’ orientation towards humanitarian voluntary work has a positive impact on refining and developing the their personality and making them more receptive to group work as well as the important role of volunteering in the development of the society”. He added: “this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the volunteers and appreciate their efforts and to maximize the voluntary values that are based on diversity, dynamism, equality, solidarity and inclusion among young people. The Authority relies on volunteering to build national cohesion and enhance national identity, as a “way of life” from childhood to adulthood.
Moreover, Al-Mutairi pointed out that the volunteers’ role became clearer this year with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in Kuwait, and across the world. Volunteers were actively operating in the first rows as they participated in many areas to help overcome the crisis, noting that more than 4000 volunteers cooperated with different state institutions during the pandemic. The authority is currently putting the final touches to a new strategy for voluntary work in the country in partnership with the Voluntary Work Center, the state agencies related to voluntary work, and the private sector. The government will rely on a comprehensive and integrative work methodology with the aim of uniting efforts, maximizing benefit and organizing voluntary work”.
“Volunteers save lives” said Eltayeb Adam, UNICEF Representative to the Gulf Area “volunteer mobilisation to tackle COVID-19 in Kuwait has been instrumental in protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that children don’t become hidden victims.”
On International Volunteer Day, UNFPA recognizes the nearly one billion volunteers who offer their skills, time and enthusiasm to communities across the world. Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often left farthest behind, to play a meaningful role in their communities; This year has been a very challenging year as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world. Since the onset of the crisis however, we have heard incredible stories of volunteers being at the forefront of medical, community and societal responses, addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic and providing a helping hand to all members of their community, especially those most vulnerable.
For International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2020, and the campaign ‘Together We Can through Volunteering’, we showcase volunteers’ contributions and impact during COVID-19 and thank volunteers for their actions and commitment. During the IVD campaign we are also highlighting that volunteers must be safe and taken care of, both mentally and physically.
The world will get through this pandemic, together, and in solidarity. This virus is a threat to all humanity, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or faith. As we move into the vaccination roll-out and recovery phases, our communities will again call on volunteers. The role of volunteers will continue to be essential and must be recognized and supported.