The International Volunteer Forum, held on June 20-21, brought together volunteer organizations and experts from around the world to exchange knowledge and strengthen international cooperation, the Astana Times reported.
With more than 40 speakers from 34 countries participating, the event focused on exploring social volunteering and inclusion, volunteering in education, the contribution of volunteering to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and volunteers’ contribution to resolving environmental problems.
During the opening panel session, Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) highlighted the experience of CICA in the voluntary sector by highlighting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's initiative to organize a rally of CICA volunteer movement leaders in 2024. Sarybay expressed his commitment to implementing this global initiative, which aligns with the preparatory activities undertaken for the rally.
“We have already commenced our efforts to implement this global initiative, as demonstrated by the panel session taking place today, as part of our preparatory activities for the rally,” Sarybay stated.
Sarybay also acknowledged the significance of volunteering in many countries, including those in the Asian region. He emphasized the numerous volunteer organizations, associations, and movements present in the 28 CICA member states, which further reinforce the importance of fostering multilateral interaction and inter-civilizational dialogue.
“This reaffirms the significance of strengthening multilateral interaction in the social, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, and promotes inter-civilizational dialogue and people-to-people contacts within the CICA and far beyond,” he added.
Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, emphasized the central role of volunteering in Turkic nations. He highlighted the cultural tradition of Ashar (Asar), a concept rooted in mutual aid and service. Omuraliev explained that this tradition has played a vital role in the lives of Central Asian countries, where the entire kinship network rallies to provide assistance to those in need.
Michaela Friberg-Storey, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan, emphasized the transformative power of volunteering. She highlighted the integral role of volunteers in poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, and climate action. She also highlighted Kazakhstan’s contribution to volunteering initiatives.
“It is clear to recognize that Kazakhstan is absolutely at the forefront of promoting volunteerism in society, as well as in its contribution to the United Nations. The outworking support from Kazakhstan means we now have nine international volunteers in different duty stations and 65 national volunteers working with the UN family here in Kazakhstan,” she said.
Nurtore Zhussip, a member of the Kazakh Parliament's upper house, showcased the active involvement of Kazakh citizens in volunteer work. He recounted their efforts in fighting wildfires in the Abai and Kostanai regions, as well as their contributions to global relief efforts, such as assisting earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria. Zhussip also highlighted Kazakhstan's collaboration with the UN Volunteers Program and the development of a draft roadmap to declare the International Year of Volunteer Mobilization, in line with President Tokayev's initiative, during his speech at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.
“Last year, at the initiative of Kazakhstan, the first Central Asian Volunteers Forum was held for the first time. More than 600 delegates took part in it, and issues of volunteering development were raised,” added Zhussip.
Katariina Jarvi, a program policy officer at the UN World Food Programme, shared her personal volunteering experiences, aiming to inspire the next generation. After finishing her law degree, Jarvi worked in various non-governmental organizations to help refugees and combat human trafficking. She emphasized that volunteering provides opportunities for personal growth and helps develop essential skills such as leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication. Jarvi encouraged individuals to explore their passions, interests, and talents through volunteer roles, as it provides a platform for self-discovery.
“Engaging in various volunteer roles exposes us to a vast array of experiences, allowing us to discern what truly ignites our souls,” said Jarvi.
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