volunteerday

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10 Years of Impact: How DP World in the Americas is Empowering Communities and Championing Change on UN Global Volunteer Day.

From planting mangroves to empowering women and educating the next generation, DP World volunteers are turning local actions into global progress.

As the world celebrates UN Global Volunteer Day on December 5, DP World in the Americas is reflecting on its decade of contributions to communities across the region. From beach cleanups to women-specific training programs and investments in local communities, our efforts align perfectly with the 2024 UN Global Volunteer Day theme: "Diverse volunteers, stronger communities."

Volunteering is about coming together to shape a better world. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, aptly noted that "volunteers embody the best of humanity." Over the past 10 years, DP World has proven this, with more than 41,000 employees worldwide contributing nearly 175,000 hours to transform communities. Here's how DP World is driving change throughout our network.

Cleaning Up the Planet, One Beach at a Time

Environmental conservation is at the core of DP World's volunteering initiatives. As one of the world's leading port operators, we focus on supporting beach conservation. For example, in Canada, teams removed over 325 kilograms or 717 pounds of litter from eight kilometers of coastline in 2024 alone. In Peru, volunteers removed nearly four tons of waste during three beach cleanup events in Callao. In Argentina, beach cleanups were combined with workshops to educate participants about the environmental impact of waste, blending action with awareness. In Chile, more than 110 terminal workers in Lirquén led beach cleanups while educating local communities about the importance of environmental conservation.

From cigarette butts to plastic pieces, these efforts protect aquatic wildlife while raising awareness about pollution.

Greening Communities with Mangroves and Forests

In Suriname, DP World employees have been planting mangroves since 2019, with 394 trees planted to date. In 2023, 22 volunteers planted 50 mangroves as part of the Weg naar Zee rehabilitation project, helping protect coastlines and sequester carbon. Meanwhile, Ecuador launched a large-scale mangrove restoration initiative, planting over 230,000 mangroves across 105 hectares in areas like El Morro and Isla Puná. This effort supports 400 families and absorbs 6,500 tons of CO2, showcasing the intersection of environmental and community impact.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice through education helps prepare young people for the workforce as another key pillar of DP World's volunteering efforts. In Peru, 4,293 students participated in workshops on water conservation and climate change during World Water Day and World Oceans Day. Volunteers incorporated storytelling into the sessions, making environmental lessons engaging for children.

In Argentina, volunteers conducted playful school workshops on recycling and water conservation. One session reached 87 students aged eight- to nine-years, teaching them to assemble eco-bottles. In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, students also visited ecological reserves, providing them with hands-on experiences in nature.

At Chile's San Antonio terminal, DP World hosted technical talks for students pursuing port-related careers.

Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups

DP World is breaking barriers for women in male-dominated industries. In the Dominican Republic, the "Women Forklift Program" trained 15 women to operate heavy machinery, creating career opportunities previously unavailable to them. In Ecuador, the "Operators of the Future" program licensed eight women to handle heavy equipment, further advancing gender equality in logistics.

In Chile, support for the Las Rosas de Santo Domingo Sports Club has provided therapeutic rowing opportunities for women recovering from breast cancer, improving their physical and emotional well-being. Meanwhile, Ecuador's training programs for women artisans in Dos Mangas have empowered them to commercialize their crafts, fostering economic independence.

Feeding Communities and Supporting Families

Food security is another area where DP World is making a difference. In Canada, the Prince Rupert team prepared and delivered 160 food hampers to local students in need. Volunteers in Vancouver contributed to the YWCA Rooftop Garden, which produces over 1,500 pounds of food annually for families in crisis.

In Argentina, volunteers organized donation drives for school supplies, toys, and Christmas boxes, supporting vulnerable families throughout the year. These efforts bring a personal touch to corporate responsibility, ensuring that no family is left behind.

Promoting Health and Well-Being

DP World's volunteers are also prioritizing health. In Suriname, employees volunteered to renovate a delivery room at the St. Vincentius Hospital as part of the "Adopt a Hospital Room" project. In Peru, volunteers brightened the lives of 130 elderly residents in Callao shelters through Mother's, Father's, and Senior's Day celebrations. These events combined donations with quality time, offering care and companionship to those in need. In Canada, employees hosted the "Mission Possible Power Breakfast," serving meals to vulnerable residents in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Beyond providing nourishment, the initiative fosters dignity and connection.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Digital skills are vital in today's world, and DP World is stepping up to bridge the gap. In Peru, the company transformed classrooms into digital learning spaces equipped with 24 computers, benefiting 430 children and 20 teachers. Similarly, the "Future Vision Program" in the Dominican Republic has reached over 5,000 young people, focusing on education, youth networks, and women's empowerment.Globally, the DP World Education Programme aims to impact 100,000 students over the next five years. With resources like virtual reality port tours, STEM workshops, and career development materials, the initiative prepares youth for an evolving global market.

A Decade of Impact

DP World's volunteers have left an enduring mark everywhere-their efforts embody the transformative power of volunteering and prove that small actions can lead to monumental change.

As DP World's Global Volunteer Week unfolds from December 2-13, 2024, the company is raising the bar once again, aiming for 600 volunteers to contribute 6,000 hours and benefit 8,000 people. Whether through mangrove planting, school workshops, or skilled volunteering, DP World employees are showing that the spirit of service is alive and thriving.

So, as the world celebrates UN Global Volunteer Day, it's inspiring to reflect on how, when diverse volunteers unite for a common cause, the strength of the communities they build can be truly limitless.

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Volunteers embody the best of humanity.

On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the tireless work of volunteers around the world. The Secretary- General Mr. Antonio Guterres said it best - building a better world is a task for all of us, and volunteers lead the way. #IVD2024

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Unleashing the potential of volunteering for local development.

Across OECD countries, just under one-quarter of the population formally volunteers at least once a month. These volunteers contribute to local development in many ways, from revitalising neighbourhoods and enhancing social cohesion to bolstering community resilience to societal pressures and shocks, such as natural disasters. However, volunteering is under pressure in many places. Local and national approaches such as developing overarching strategies and enabling legal frameworks, as well as improving the volunteering “market”, can help to rejuvenate volunteering.

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Launch of the State of Volunteering in Central Asia Review (HLPF 2024 Side Event).

The first regional report of its kind – State of Volunteering in Central Asia Review (VCARE) showcases the impact of volunteer efforts, emphasizes the value of volunteers' contributions, and identifies best practices in the region's volunteer movement.

The report's findings will help significantly fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the region's five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

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Let’s stand with volunteers, everywhere.

On International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, we salute the more than one billion people worldwide who are contributing their time and skills to creating a better, safer, more caring and peaceful world.

This year’s theme — “If everyone did…” — underscores the importance of collective action, cooperation, and people-led solutions to global challenges like poverty, inequalities, conflict, the climate crisis, food insecurity and more.

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Our own UN Volunteers hail from more than 160 countries, and are helping to spur peace and sustainable development, and the realization of human rights, for people around the world.

On this important day, let’s re-commit to ensuring that all people can lend their energies to shaping a better future for all people and the planet we share.

Let’s stand with volunteers, everywhere.

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Imagine more than 8 billion of us volunteering.

If every one Did, Think about the Limitless possibilities for sustainable development. International Volunteer Day 2023; December 5th.

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Recognizing the power of collective action: if everyone did.

This year, we mark International Volunteer Day 2023 by recognizing the power of collective action: if every one did. If everyone volunteered, the world would be a better place.

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The power of everyone.

In a world filled with challenges—inequality, global warming, injustice—we all carry our baggage. But where some feel a burden, others discover their strength and find inspiration to take action.

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If everyone did...

"If everyone did..." is December 5th, International Volunteer Day 2023 theme and will center on the power of everyone - collective action - if everyone did. Imagine more than eight billion of us Volunteering.

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The time to enact peace is now.

Imagine a world where the resounding call for Human Rights echoes in every corner of the world where united efforts for Climate Action form a global anthem, where each individual plays a part in the collective action for peace. That is the power of everyone!

if everyone did... International Volunteer Day 2023; December 5th.

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Solidarity through volunteering.

On International Volunteer Day 2022, we celebrate our theme of solidarity through volunteering. For the future of our planet, we must act together and we must act now. This is not an era to stand alone but together, as one, in solidarity with each other.

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Help rebuild peace and work towards dismantling global inequalities.

International #volunteering was born from necessity and compassion: to help rebuild peace and work towards dismantling global inequalities.

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Make a generous contribution in support of volunteerism for sustainable development and peace.

UNV thanks its UN Member State partners for their generous contributions in support of volunteerism for sustainable development and peace and counts on their continued support. Interested partners are invited to read more about how to support UNV financially, including through the Special Voluntary Fund and Full Funding Programme. UNV's financial overview 2021 from the Annual Report 2021 contains further details.

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'Together, we make a difference' Australian Volunteers Program.

In this short video, we acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by our partners around the world in the face of COVID. And we pay tribute to the ongoing commitment of our volunteers and partners to continue to work together, to make a difference.

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Action for UN AGENCIES

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Apply to be a volunteer now!