The opening of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development has become a landmark moment for the global community. In his address to the Special Session of the UN General Assembly, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the role of volunteerism as a driving force for positive change and international cooperation, DKNews.kz reports.
International Year of Volunteers: “This remarkable event reflects our common aspiration”
At the beginning of his speech, the President highlighted the significance of the initiative at the global level:
“It is a great honor for me to address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the opening of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This remarkable event reflects our common aspiration to strengthen the role of volunteers and enhance their contribution to national and global progress.”
According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan initiated the declaration of a new international year in close coordination with partners, as the phenomenon of volunteerism today is directly linked to sustainable development, social stability, and solidarity.
The role of volunteers in the modern world: “A creative force for good”
The Head of State stressed the role of volunteers in the global agenda:
“We firmly believe that volunteerism has become a creative force for good, promoting civic engagement and progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The President noted that in a “complex modern world” volunteers save lives, help vulnerable populations, and strengthen trust and solidarity. He emphasized that the UN Volunteers Programme continues to expand its participation formats, uniting people across continents.
Volunteerism in Kazakhstan: “An integral part of public life”
Tokayev underlined that volunteer activity has become a natural element of social development in Kazakhstan:
“In Kazakhstan, volunteerism has become an integral part of public life.”
The President cited a large national environmental campaign as an example:
“The nationwide ‘Taza Qazaqstan’ campaign brought together thousands of citizens to restore the natural environment and promote a culture of environmental responsibility.”
According to Tokayev, this initiative aligns with the UN’s global efforts to protect the climate, combat environmental threats, and foster a new mindset regarding natural resources.
Almaty as an international hub: “UN Volunteers Subregional Office”
The President placed special emphasis on Almaty’s international status within the UN system:
“We welcome the transformation of the city of Almaty into an international cooperation hub with the support of the United Nations.”
He reminded that Almaty is home to the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals, and now hosts a Subregional Office of the UN Volunteers Programme:
“The opening of the UN Volunteers Subregional Office in Almaty reflects Kazakhstan’s firm commitment to fostering civic engagement and international partnership.”
According to Tokayev, this makes it possible to implement new projects bringing together volunteers from Central Asia and Afghanistan.
A call for peace: “Collective action and mutual trust”
The President called on the international community to work together:
“Global challenges can only be overcome through collective action and mutual trust.”
Kazakhstan invited volunteers from all countries to join UN initiatives in environmental protection, social inclusion, and youth support:
“We invite volunteers from all countries to join the Organization’s initiatives in environmental protection, social inclusion, and youth support to share experience and implement joint projects.”
Priorities: youth, women, and regions
Tokayev stressed that volunteerism should cover the most vulnerable groups of the population:
“Kazakhstan expresses its gratitude to the UN Volunteers Programme and calls for strengthening partnership to expand opportunities, especially for youth, women, and residents of remote regions.”
According to the President, volunteerism is not only a civic initiative, but also an investment in human capital, skills development, leadership, and communication.
Words to the UN: “For a fairer, greener world”
In conclusion, Tokayev delivered a symbolic message in the year of the UN’s 80th anniversary:
“I call on everyone to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values of solidarity, cooperation, and investment in human capital to build a fairer, greener world.”
The President assured that Kazakhstan “will continue to work with all UN Member States and civil society to support socially significant volunteer activities throughout this remarkable year and beyond.”
