The Princess Al-Anood Center for Youth Development (Warif) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) jointly celebrated the International Volunteer Day on Thursday in Riyadh, involving both male and female volunteers from across the Kingdom who joined together to share and exchange their experiences and stories.

Created by the United Nations in 1985, the annual Volunteer Day is commemorated every year on Dec. 5 and is observed as an international day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism across the globe.

Warif, which works to instill a culture of volunteerism in Saudi youth, both male and female, has partnered with the UNDP for such efforts and organized the concluding celebration at the UN House in the Diplomatic Quarter. On this occasion, volunteers from across the Kingdom who have rendered extraordinary voluntary services were felicitated jointly by Warif and the UNDP.

Addressing the function, Dr. Youssef Al-Huzaim, secretary general of Warif, applauded the girls and boys attending the celebration saying, “every act of your volunteerism carries value.” He continued: “You, the young generation, are the future of this beautiful Kingdom and your valuable services will result in increased support to pave the way for good administration.”

Applauding the the female volunteers, he noted: “You are an asset of modern Saudi Arabia; the Americans explored the oil industry for us which generated great wealth, but girls are the real assets that are taking the country to new highs.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Nigam, a UNDP resident representative said, “Volunteerism is founded on the value of the collective efforts of individuals to strengthen social fabric and strengthen civic sense in the people.”

Nigam expressed his appreciation for the important work done by Saudi volunteers, and read out UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message,saying that the “International Volunteer Day is a chance to thank the many individuals who act with this spirit of giving and to encourage others to follow their example.

When an earthquake destroys homes, volunteers prove that human solidarity is shatterproof. When looters aim for cultural property, volunteers safeguard community treasures. When development is lagging, volunteers help enable people to lift themselves out of poverty. On this International Volunteer Day, let us be inspired by the many individuals who selflessly serve others, and let us resolve to do our part to contribute, freely and proactively, to change conditions now toward a better future for all.”

Prominent guests included Sara Al-Fahhad, Lubna Al-Sammari and Khansa’a Abu Naji, all of whom expressed their enthusiasm and joy to be part of such voluntary services.