December 5, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development today issued the following statement:

“Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the tireless volunteers in Canada and around the world, who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to serve others.

“In every corner of the world, volunteers are on the frontlines during crises and emergencies, yet they rise to the challenge with courage, dedication, and selflessness.

“The theme for this year is an important one: Diverse Volunteers, Stronger Communities.

“When we break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity we create more harmonious societies, where differences are celebrated rather than feared.

“Each year, thousands of diverse Canadian volunteers dedicate their time, experience and energy to our international development programs, including the Volunteer Cooperation Program.

“Since we started this program four years ago, Canada has funded 5,333 volunteer placements with more than 900 local partners in 42 countries, with a majority of these placements in Sub-Saharan Africa, where volunteers work with local communities to advance women and girls’ rights, fight climate change, encourage innovation, and advance diversity and inclusion.

“With each deployment they are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly women and girls and marginalized groups including LGBTQ2+ and Indigenous People; improving countless lives and strengthening countless communities.

“By giving back to others, they also help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and make the world greener, more inclusive and more equitable.

“As the world faces complex challenges and crises today, volunteers are needed more than ever.

“I would like to thank all of the Canadians who selflessly help others around them and make communities stronger, safer and more caring, and who inspire others to do the same.

“And I encourage everyone to join us in recognizing volunteers all over the world using the hashtag #IVD2024”