International Volunteer Day 2020
“Together We Can Through Volunteering • Thank You”
What is International Volunteer Day?
Every year on the 5th of December, the world celebrates International Volunteer Day (IVD) to promote volunteering, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and international levels. As we approach 12 months since the COVID-19 outbreak, we cannot deny that the crisis will have long-term effects on the economic and social fabric of societies worldwide. The challenge is unique and volunteer contributions to the response are critical.
Volunteering has come in many forms during the pandemic, reaching vulnerable groups, combating misinformation, educating children, providing essential services to old people, and providing support to health workers. Volunteers can simultaneously decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission among the susceptible and facilitate community functioning.
IVD 2020
Volunteers including those serving as UN Volunteers in the Pacific have come together in 2020 to organise a Regional Webinar to celebrate and promote volunteerism amidst the challenges we confront. Organisers envisage a platform where development actors, Governments, students, health sectors, current, past and prospective volunteers discuss their experiences, lessons learnt and any questions they have regarding volunteerism.
Organisers also aim to showcase volunteers’ journey, contributions and impact through a Photo Exhibition of pictures of, and taken by, volunteers, highlighting local actions during their time in the Pacific and including volunteer’s response to COVID-19.
Event Details
International Volunteers Photo Exhibition
Venue: Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s
Date and Time: Thursday 3rd December 2020 at 10:00am
Regional Webinar
Venue: Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s and Zoom for virtual connection
Date and Time: Thursday 3rd December 2020 at 3:00pm
Connection Details
Zoom link: https://undp.zoom.us/j/88459261550?pwd=T21pRWxYNFZadXBxajVQenZqcU9ldz090
Meeting ID: 88459261550 Passcode: IVD2020
RSVP: Youle Beatty youle.beatty@one.un.org
Agenda
|
|
Order of the Webinar |
Speaker |
Duration (45 minutes) |
|
|
Welcome and outlining of the order of events |
Facilitator – Gini Wilderson – Country Director Peace Corps Samoa |
1-2 Minutes |
|
|
Introduction by on the concept of volunteerism and how that contributes to development work
|
Simona Marinescu – United nations Resident Coordinator Office Samoa, Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue |
5 Minutes |
|
|
Short video showcasing the photo exhibition for virtual audience |
|
1-2 minutes |
|
|
Volunteerism in the time of health crisis
|
Dr. Rasul Baghirov - Head of World Health Organization Samoa, American Samoa, Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue |
2-5 minutes |
|
|
Video from volunteers – thanking all volunteers |
Partner Organisations video saying thank you to volunteers |
30 seconds |
|
|
Panel Discussion Pre-prepared questions and Q and A
|
Panellists
|
20 minutes/ 2 minutes per panellist; 2-5 minutes for Q&A |
|
|
Reflections |
Simona Marinescu – United Nations Resident Coordinator for Samoa, Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue |
2 minutes |
|
|
Facilitator ends the seminar |
Facilitator – Gini Wilderson – Country Director Peace Corps Samoa |
2 minutes |
Written by
Tiffany Chan
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
