International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2023 was commemorated in Iraq through a series of activities under the theme "If everyone did." In Baghdad, a high-level event on 5 December, bringing together government officials, civil society and the United Nations, explored how volunteering can help address the country's development challenges.
As peace gives impetus for Iraq to move from a crisis context to development, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) looks forward to working with the Government of Iraq and integrating volunteers into the country's sustainable development agenda. --Kyoko Yokosuka, UNV Deputy Executive Coordinator
These were the words of Ms Kyoko Yokosuka, UNV Deputy Executive Coordinator, as she addressed the audience at the high-level International Volunteer Day (IVD) event in Baghdad.
HE Mr Ahmed Al-Mubarqaa, Minister of Youth and Sports, delivered opening remarks. "Volunteering is a rooted trait among our people since ancient times, symbolizing the generosity that characterizes all Iraqis," he said. The Minister also praised the role of the UN in transferring global experiences to Iraq for the benefit of the youth, especially in the last two decades.
Mr Ghulam Isaczai, UN Resident Coordinator for Iraq, stated that the United Nations is very proud to celebrate International Volunteer Day jointly with the Iraqi Government. “We underscore our commitment to mainstreaming volunteerism and civic engagement into national development plans and, by extension, into the programmes of the UN country team,” he added.
The event also showcased winning ideas from UNV Iraq’s first hackathon, organized jointly by UNV, UNDP and the UN Assistance Mission fo Iraq (UNAMI). The hackathon had young people competing to develop best ideas about digitalization for better delivery of social services. This highlighted a commitment to using technology for practical benefits.
The winners were given the stage to present their ideas to the attending decision makers. A photo exhibition featuring UN Volunteers in action added a visual aspect to the event.
Two days later In Erbil, IVD activities continued with a tree-planting initiative in collaboration with the Kurdistan Regional Government, Erbil Governorate, UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
UN Volunteers spearheaded the planting of 500 trees at Hewar Park, side by side with about 100 participants from various groups and sectors, including local authorities, volunteer organizations, persons with disabilities, high school students and UN entities. The event aimed to highlight the “power of everyone” in taking action for the environment.
"We gather here on International Volunteer Day to plant a tree not only as a climate activity, but as an expression of hope and commitment for the sustainable development of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region," Ms Yokosuka said. She added that the tree-planting initiative served as a tangible symbol of collective determination toward a more sustainable and ecologically conscious future.