The same passions and capacities were demonstrated during activities, which were launched on December 5 and went through December 6, 2010. During these days, UNV in Kyrgyzstan along with volunteers from the universities, corporate sector and self-represented youth has organized photo exhibition with works of the winners of the competition “Millennium Development Goals and Volunteers role”, depicting good will efforts of individuals and groups in rural and urban areas of Kyrgyzstan and the display of the publications related to volunteerism and its role in tackling the MDG.

The culminating point of the IVD celebrations was a one-day conference, which took place on December 6 with the overall theme “Volunteering for the MDG”. The event was organized by the UNV Country Team in cooperation with the Kyrgyz youth and volunteer involving organizations. It was an event where UN volunteers have presented their activities that contribute to meeting the targets outlined in the MDG and told the stories of their experiences on the ground. Such exchange of experiences and knowledge acted as mechanisms to optimize the return on volunteers’ intangible contributions to the peace-building efforts and development, while maximizing measurable and sustainable impact at the community level.

Addressing the conference participants Mr. Pradeep Sharma, UNDP DRR, noted: “In Kyrgyzstan, international and national UN Volunteer Specialists have been providing strong support to various development activities of the UN through a number of projects.  From peace-building assistance programmes to disaster response initiatives, from human rights protection to gender mainstreaming, from environment protection to youth involvement their valuable contributions are key elements of the overall assistance the UN provides to Kyrgyzstan.”
He also added:” Volunteerism ties in well with the admirable and long-standing culture in Kyrgyzstan of helping and offering support to those who are in need. Thousands of young people take part in volunteer activities every year and there is an honoured tradition of volunteering throughout the country’s history. This is an important and valuable heritage which will we hope will continue for many generations to come.”

Indeed, volunteerism is a feature of Kyrgyz culture and society. It is a fundamental source of community strength, resilience, solidarity and social cohesion. It helps to effect positive social change by fostering inclusive Kyrgyz society that respects diversity, equality and the participation of all. Such contributions are vital to the three pillars of the United Nations’ work – promoting peace and security, advancing development, protecting human rights and human dignity. That is why every UN agency represented in the country draws on the spirit of volunteerism to expand the reach of its activities.

This occasion was also an encouraging moment for Kyrgyz youths to take initiative and spreading the culture of volunteer work throughout the regions.
The IVD provided an opportunity to increase awareness about the challenges people within their communities face and encourage a greater spirit of compassion. The nature and role of a volunteer changes depending on the situation, but the underlying principle is always the same- every human being can make a difference.