Bonn, Germany, 11 Apr 2005: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has embarked on a global survey to collect information from around the world on the progress made since the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) in 2001. The progress is being documented in terms of implementing the recommendations on volunteerism contained in the UN General Assembly resolutions adopted at that time.

These recommendations are on a range of subjects, from the role of the media and the private sector, to research and legislation, from the contribution of youth and ICT to the celebration of the International Volunteer Day (IVD). The full list can be found in the two UN resolutions Res/56/38 and Res/57/106.

The UK-based Institute for Volunteering Research has been contracted to prepare a paper on the subject, based on the results of the survey, which will contribute to writing the Report of the UN Secretary-General to be submitted to the 60th session of the UN General Assembly later this year. It is on the basis of this Report that the General Assembly will make proposals on steps to be taken to support and promote volunteerism in the years ahead.

Questionnaires have been sent to governments, civil society organizations, the UN system, parliamentarians and other principal stakeholders. At the same time, we would like to benefit from your own insights into the current state of volunteering in your own country. Responses from yourself and others will no doubt help in ensuring the fullest possible picture of the state of volunteering today and in designing the road ahead.

We would very much appreciate it if you can spare a few minutes to fill in the brief online questionnaire. The survey closes on 6 May, 2005.