U.S. Public Delegate to the UN The Honorable Kendrick Meektoday said the United States is not only the largest provider of development assistance dollars, but also the largest donor of voluntary development services through both citizens’ organizations and government agencies.
In his remarks on the Occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, Mr. Meek thanked all volunteers worldwide for their service.
“In particular United Nations Volunteers deserves our gratitude and recognition as one of the few international organizations that sends volunteers to work in some of the most dangerous situations in the world.” -Mr. Meek
He said the United States pays special tribute to those UN volunteers who have lost their lives helping others.
He stressed UN Volunteers plays an important role in the international development community. He said UN volunteers’ experience, enthusiasm, and professionalism are indispensible to the UN’s humanitarian, peacekeeping, and development operations throughout the world.
“Their contributions far exceed what one would expect from their organization’s size and 80% of UN Volunteers come from developing countries. Thank you to all who serve.” -Mr. Meek
He stressed that today Americans are volunteering in great numbers, as we always have throughout the history of our nation. In 2010, over 62 million American adults volunteered, donating over eight billion hours serving those in need.
“We are proud to say that this past September, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United States Peace Corps, which has sent more than 200,000 Americans to 139 countries. Peace Corps volunteers have provided a wide-range of development services and have forged lasting bonds with the people in these countries.” -Mr. Meek