Almaty, Kazakhstan: The focus of the IVD for 2007 in Kazakhstan will be the contribution of the local volunteers to the country development: "Local volunteers – our heroes!". At the same time, to quote former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, "Volunteerism is the ultimate expression of what the United Nations is all about", the celebration of IVD will also a moment of contact between the UN and the people of Kazakhstan.  Read article

Temirtau, Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan has the fastest growing HIV rate in Central Asia, fuelled by drug trafficking from Afghanistan into Russia. Since 2004, the Red Crescent has mobilized thousands of volunteers, like former drug user Sasha, to spread the HIV prevention message to drug users, sex workers and the communities most at risk.  Read article

Bonn, Germany: As the United Nations commemorates the third International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May, paying tribute to those who serve in peacekeeping operations, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) are also being honoured for their dedication and courage in helping improve the lives of millions of people in war-torn and post-conflict countries across the globe.  Read article

Almaty: From press conferences to lectures, this year’s International Volunteer Day (IVD) celebrations were held in the symbolic “House of Friendship” on 2 December in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  Read article

Mr Dimitriy Kizilov, himself once a drug addict, in 1998 became a volunteer at Zhusan drug rehabilitation centre near Almaty after completing his treatment there.  Read article