As part of the world show of support to the UN International Volunteering Day (IVD), Princess Al-Anood Philanthropic Foundation (PAPF), along with Riyad Al-Ahmad, the UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative to Saudi Arabia, and Al-Anood Foundation’s Secretaary-General Youssef bin Othman Al-Huzaim celebrated the occasion at the UN office here last week.

The event was attended by a number of volunteers and volunteer team leaders, journalists and representatives of TV channels.

In his address, Al-Ahmad said that the volunteers' enthusiasm and commitment they show underline their contribution to the cause of volunteerism and the ability to change the world.

On his part, Al-Huzaim noted that the Al-Anood Foundation has launched 13 voluntary projects covering all administrative regions of the Kingdom. He added that through this achievement, they are sending across the message that volunteer work is taking place on the ground, exemplified by Warif center on this occasion.

“We thank the United Nations permanent cooperation in all joint forums,” he added, noting that the principle of empowerment and sustainability is the most important aspect of volunteer work and the quality of volunteer work.

PAPF hosted NGO’s three-day training program for human development launched by experts from Spain. The event was meant to provide human development training to the individuals working in nonprofit organizations. The foundation hosted a three-day intensive training at its headquarters here both for men and women, including one for higher study graduates. The program is intended primarily for executive management and secretary generals in charities in the Kingdom.

Al-Huzaim honored during the IVD event professor Haifa Muqrin, the UN coordinator for the voluntary work in the Kingdom, for her efforts in the success of the celebration and on the occasion of her appointment.

After that voluntary programs have been launched in the Kingdom as well as the distribution of groups guidelines and volunteer teams issued by Warif on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day.

IVD provides an opportunity for volunteerism, both for organizations and individuals to promote the cause of development at local, national and international levels.

By merging UN support with volunteers at the grassroots level, IVD serves as a unique opportunity for volunteers involving organizations to work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community groups and the private sector.

IVD was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/212 on Dec. 17, 1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and civil society organizations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on Dec. 5.