Thank you, Mr Associate Administrator, for your introduction and your – and the Administrator’s – commitment to volunteerism and your strong support to the United Nations Volunteers programme. Madame President, Distinguished delegates, Mr Associate Administrator, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Mr Daniel Sigelmann, Head of National Volunteers Programme and President of the Management Council of the Viva Voluntario Programme, Mr Niky Fabiancic, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative,   Mr. President of the  Brazilian Scouts Association, Mr Didier Trebucq, UNDP Country Director and Deputy Resident Representative, Members of the Management Council, Distinguished guests Ladies and Gentlemen,

What was once an informal network of helpers to people in need, many volunteers are now highly organized and play a fundamental role in humanitarian and development initiatives through organizations, clubs and groups that span the world. In recognition of the contributions they make, governments have taken steps to promote volunteer action by strengthening policies and institutions, and by increasing funding to support volunteer infrastructure. 

These events have multiplied over the last ten years, just when the planet has reached its all-time temperature records, blurring the difference between human-made and purely natural catastrophes.

Bonn, Germany: On 17 January 2017, Mr. Olivier Adam (France) arrived in Bonn as the new Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.  Mr. Adam was appointed by the UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark and succeeds, Mr. Richard Dictus (Netherlands).

Bonn, Germany: On 17 January 2017, Mr. Olivier Adam (France) arrived in Bonn as the new Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.  Mr. Adam was appointed by the UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark and succeeds, Mr. Richard Dictus (Netherlands).

Bonn, Germany: On 17 January 2017, Mr. Olivier Adam (France) arrived in Bonn as the new Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.  Mr. Adam was appointed by the UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark and succeeds, Mr. Richard Dictus (Netherlands).

Bonn, Germany: On 17 January 2017, Mr. Olivier Adam (France) arrived in Bonn as the new Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.  Mr. Adam was appointed by the UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark and succeeds, Mr. Richard Dictus (Netherlands).