Courtesy translation
«Volunteer work is an invaluable merit, an expression of solidarity based on the awareness of the common destiny of all humanity.
In its variety of experiences, it contributes towards the cohesiveness of every society and represents a precious means of international understanding and cooperation.
Offering relief to someone in distress with altruism and self-sacrifice generates inclusive and sound communities, founded on the protection of fundamental rights.
The wide-reaching and spontaneous mobilization to help communities struck by natural disasters is evidence of this.
Volunteer work also represents a precious resource for institutions, which can adopt more effective measures to meet people’s needs and expectations by leveraging the participation of civil society.
The United Nations call on member States to increase the involvement of volunteers in tackling emergencies and new global collective needs, the most compelling of which is the struggle against climate change and the achievement of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
On this Day, I express the Italian Republic’s deep sense of gratitude to all those who do charity work. »
