The Honourable Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Mrs. Kampamba Mulenga-Chewe

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Mrs Pamela Kambamba

The Chairperson, Zambia Volunteer Coordinating Committee, Mr Steve Phiri

The Education Standards Officer

The Head Teacher, UTH Special Needs School

Representatives of Volunteer Involving Organisations

UN colleagues and Volunteers

Members of the Press

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed my great pleasure to join you today in commemorating the International Volunteer Day (IVD). As a global initiative, let me pay special tribute to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its outstanding effort in recognizing the potential of volunteerism and embracing volunteers as strategic partners in implementing the Government’s development programme and attaining its vision.

Allow me to therefore underscore one of the outcomes is this partnership, which is the ongoing coordinated efforts through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in collaboration with organisations supporting volunteerism for developing a National Volunteer Policy (NVP) to guide the activities of volunteers in Zambia. 

This is a not only a positive development, but an INNOVATION that seeks to improve the regulatory environment for institutions and their volunteers, as well as demonstrate Government’s commitment to mainstreaming volunteerism as national values and principles.

Honourable Minister, allow me to also pay special homage to all volunteers and also to those organizations that work with volunteers because they believe in the value proposition that volunteers bring when involved and associated in their operations and interventions.

Firstly, the volunteers’ willingness and commitment to engage over a period of time in their life in supporting development programmes must be commended. In their diverse and specialized skills - whether formally or otherwise, they contribute to helping us, as development organizations, achieve tangible results on the ground that contribute to transform people’s lives and move closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and a shared vision of a better future for all

We all know that the task of empowering and ensuring the inclusion of local communities in addressing inequalities, protecting human dignity and achieving noble goals such as eradicating poverty and hunger and efforts on climate action, gender equality and much more would be impossible without the energy and dedication of volunteers. Volunteers, I celebrate you today! I celebrate your activism, values, sacrifices and contributions to the communities and people you serve. This is the spirit we need if we are going to LEAVE NO-ONE BEHIND.

Secondly, Honourable Minister, I would like to recognise the involvement of all actors who collaborate with these dedicated volunteers who are working with communities – knowing that empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality is critical to realizing sustainable development in Zambia. Your embracing the volunteers is a testimony to your acknowledgment and appreciation of the value they contribute to achieving your Zambia National objectives and goals.

In 2001, at the first celebration of International Volunteer Day, the former Secretary-General Kofi Annan delivered his message saying: “At the heart of volunteerism are the ideals of service and solidarity and the belief that together we can make the world a better place.”

His message on volunteerism was the ultimate expression of how volunteers are truly an inspiration for all of us in the development sector and what the United Nations is all about – service, solidarity, and determination to leave a better planet for the next generations.

This year, the International Volunteer Day is not only about celebrating volunteerism but also paying special tribute to volunteers working towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On this International Volunteer Day, let us be inspired by the many individuals who selflessly and generously serve others, and let us resolve to do our part to contribute, freely and proactively, to change conditions now so that no one is left behind.

Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time and skills. Through volunteerism, communities across the country would experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion.

Honourable Minister, Ladies and gentlemen,

As I conclude, allow me to reiterate the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres’ message for this day, where he has underscored the 2030 Agenda, which calls for a just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive world in which the needs of the most vulnerable are met.

In his message, the Secretary General has emphasized the need to increase the number of UN Volunteers to contribute to the UN system activities in support of Agenda 2030. We must continue to promote volunteerism worldwide - as it nurtures solidarity and cohesion through underlying values of cooperation and reciprocity. Volunteerism is essential to ensure that global sustainable development efforts are owned by all people, implemented by all people and for all people.

On this year’s International Volunteers Day, I join the UN Secretary General, in thanking all volunteers from around the world who make the world a more inclusive and tolerant place. I applaud all volunteers who have come together, each contributing through their unique skills, expertise and passion to the development agenda of Zambia. This constantly reminds us that together we can pursue “equality and inclusion” through volunteerism so that people, particularly those often left farthest behind, are provided the opportunities to play a meaningful role in their communities. 

I therefore thank all the national and international institutions that value, encourage and support volunteerism in the country. On behalf of the UN system in Zambia, I say to you ZIKOMO KWAMBILI.

I wish you a wonderful International Volunteer Day and invite you to always remember to “Volunteer for an Inclusive Future.”