Ex-President Rawlings becomes an Eminent Person

BONN, 29 January 2001 -- A future king, a former president, and a successful corporate volunteering pioneer will take up functions as Eminent Persons during the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV 2001) at the invitation of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Bonn-based United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) announced today.

Working with UNV, the international focal point for IYV 2001, Spain's Crown Prince of Asturias, former Ghanaian President Jerry J. Rawlings, and the founder of the Body Shop, Anita Roddick, will help raise the profile of millions of volunteers working for peace and development around the world.

"We are honoured to have these three outstanding individuals at our side to direct the spotlight on volunteers from all walks of life," said UNV Executive Coordinator Sharon Capeling-Alakija. "Using their high visibility, we want to elevate the profile of everyday heroes who, sadly, rarely make the headlines."

The Eminent Persons will intervene to attract the attention of the media and the public by participating in IYV 2001 events and initiatives, such as national and regional IYV conventions and the Special Session on Volunteering of the General Assembly of the United Nations, scheduled for the fall of 2001. They will also be called upon to visit volunteer projects, present volunteer awards, endorse volunteer books or films and appear in the mass media. Prince Felipe and Ms. Roddick addressed the IYV 2001 opening ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York on 28 November 2000.

They were carefully selected for their pro-volunteer activism and support.

His Royal Highness Prince Felipe has "made the promotion and support of volunteering a personal priority", said Ms. Capeling-Alakija, adding that the Prince has consistently encouraged volunteers in their efforts both at home and abroad. He did so recently in Valencia, Spain, as he met with volunteers from all across the Mediterranean.

"His Royal Highness' concern with solidarity is well reflected in the Awards which bear his name created to reward excellence in scientific, cultural and social work," she said. The Prince of Asturias Awards reward work which contributes to, among other goals, the defence of freedom; the struggle against injustice, poverty, disease or ignorance; and to mutual understanding, progress and brotherhood among nations.

Mr. Rawlings, who left office this month after 19 years as President of Ghana, was asked to become an Eminent Person in recognition of his efforts on behalf of community groups and independent voluntary organizations striving to improve social and economic conditions. The UNV Executive Coordinator said Mr. Rawlings was not only known for his work benefiting the poor, but also his for "courageous insistence on building a new society that incorporates values related to the dignity of all citizens". Furthermore, he has "demonstrated selflessness and devotion to duty in pursuit of human development", she said.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has described Mr. Rawlings as one of Africa's remarkable role models who has brought honour and pride to the continent. In a recent letter to the former Ghanaian leader, Mr. Mandela said Mr. Rawlings' performance as a Head of State clearly distinguished him as a "powerful and dynamic personality who came to command respect and admiration in many parts of the world".

A British national, Ms. Roddick is co-chair of the Body Shop. With some 1,500 branches worldwide, the cosmetics company has a significant international presence that Ms. Roddick has used from the beginning as a platform to support environmental or human rights campaigns. For the Body Shop, Ms. Roddick has developed guidelines that commit the company to environmentally friendly production, a ban on animal testing and fair trade arrangements. Furthermore, she has been a strong supporter of corporate volunteering. Seventy per cent of Body Shop employees take a half-day each month to volunteer in their communities and more are encouraged to do so.

"Anita Roddick is a model of good corporate citizenship and a pace-setter for corporate volunteering," said Ms. Capeling-Alakija.

UNV is the volunteer arm of the UN system. It extends hands-on assistance for peace and development in nearly 150 countries. Created by the UN General Assembly in 1970 and administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNV works through UNDP country offices to send volunteers and promote the ideals of volunteerism around the world. UN Volunteers have extensive experience in over 100 professional fields.