28 NOVEMBER 2000, New York: The opening ceremony for the International Year of Volunteers was held at 10 a.m. on 28 November in Conference Room 4.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan was the keynote speaker. Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), made the opening remarks. Speakers include Crown Prince Felipe de Asturias, Spain; Mr. Shinya Ono, Parliamentary Vice Minister of the Economic Planning Agency, Japan; Janat Mukwaya, Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Services, Uganda; United Nations Volunteers from Nigeria, the Philippines and the United States; Astrid Heiberg, President, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, Co-chair, United States International Year of Volunteers Committee; and Nadia Comaneci, former Olympic gold medalist. There will also be videotaped messages from Ruth Cardoso, First Lady of Brazil; Bernard Kouchner, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK); Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET); and Anita Roddick, CEO, The Body Shop.

At 3 p.m., Nane Annan, wife of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Capeling-Alakija inaugurated an exhibit on the United Nations Volunteers/ International Year of Volunteers 2001 in the General Assembly Visitors' Lobby. David Morrison, President, NetAid Foundation, also made a speech. The exhibit will remain on display until 28 February 2001. In connection with the exhibit, the United Nations Postal Administration unveiled new postage stamps in honor of the International Year of Volunteers 2001.

Volunteering has been a part of virtually every civilization and society, and the need for increased voluntary action is greater than ever. To recognize and honor the achievements and contributions of millions of volunteers all over the world, the United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, and designated the United Nations Volunteers programme as the Year's focal point. The official launch of the Year will take place in approximately 100 countries on 5 December.