The Global Volunteering Day 2019 took place in Hanoi on September 29, calling on the young to join hands in dealing with climate change.

Organisers present awards to groups and individuals with active
contributions to the community (Photo: tuoitrethudo.com.vn) 

The annual event was organised by the Volunteers for Peace Vietnam (VPV) and the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS), with the support of the Irish Aid and the UN Development Programme in Vietnam.

 It served as a forum for discussing and sharing information and ideas while encouraging actions with positive impact on the environment and the community, towards the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

 In his opening speech, CSDS Director Don Tuan Phuong said the event was the rendezvous of volunteers from many countries to share their experience and learn about culture of one another’s nations.

“In response to the UN’s summits this year, we call on young people to act to fight climate change to protect our planet. We believe that many small actions will create big changes,” he stressed.

 The event attracted about 1,200 people, including volunteers from more than 30 countries and territories along with representatives of non-governmental organisations.

 Aside from promoting the public’s attention to environmental and climate change issues, the day also raised money for a child-friendly school project implemented by the VPV Club, the CSDS and the Sao Bien (Starfish) – an Austrian non-governmental organisation.

 This project aims to provide basic educational infrastructure, like school facilities, clean water and playgrounds with equipment made from recycled materials, for disadvantaged areas, thus helping achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 – quality education.

 Also at the event, the final round of the “Youth Drivers for Change” Awards 2019 was held. The awards are intended to honour the groups with active and impressive contributions to the community and affirm the Vietnamese youth’s engagement in the settlement of social issues around the globe.