Kathmandu, December 4

The government, security agencies and the International community responded quickly with life-saving aid in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake, but it was the regular citizen in Nepal, particularly the youth, who volunteered as the frontline first responders, UNDP Nepal said today.

“This sense of volunteerism made a tremendous impact on the earthquake response,” it said.

According to the UNDP, the government and civil society bodies are cooperating to observe and commemorate this special occasion together with international partners, donors and volunteer organisations.

The United Nations celebrates International Volunteer Day tomorrow. This year’s theme is ‘The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!’ The United Nations Volunteer Programme highlights the contribution Nepal’s volunteers have made not only after the earthquake, but also in day-to-day life.

The year 2015 marked tremendous changes for the country and brought to the surface some of the core values Nepal truly stands for. People have shown selfless perseverance through crisis by helping each other beyond limits with a positive attitude unparalleled around the world.

According to a press statement issued by the UNDP, a single person can make a difference and inspire others to take action as well.

This way, volunteers become a crucial part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, a new set of development goals that the world adopted earlier in 2015.