IVCO 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry will recognise all volunteers under Yayasan Sukarela-wan Siswa (YSS) as Unity Ambassadors beginning next year.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Johor and Selangor state governments had implemented the Unity Ambassador initiative among the youth.
"It is not just recognition but also an action to harness the power of volunteerism for better, more harmonious communities at grassroots level.
"Youth Unity Ambassadors play a crucial role in easing religious and ethnic tensions within the local community.
"They can achieve this by creating an inclusive environment and fostering connections that bridge background differences, through their field projects," he said after the launch of the International Volunteer Co-operation Organisations Conference (IVCO 2023) held in a Kuala Lumpur Sentral hotel here on Sunday.
The five-day conference returned to Southeast Asia after more than a decade, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, volunteers and organisations from around the world to serve as a platform for in-depth and comprehensive discussions related to volunteering activities.
Themed "A New Generation of Volunteers as Changemakers", a total of 178 participants from over 51 countries took part in the conference which featured a comprehensive agenda, including keynote speeches, plenary sessions, breakout sessions and booth spaces for organisations to showcase their programmes.
At the opening of the conference, Aaron said Malaysia was one of the best models of a volunteerism hub in the region.
"Currently, there are numerous volunteerism organisations or initiatives under various ministries in Malaysia, such as YSS, Jiran Muda under Kawasan Rukun Tetangga and Rakan Muda.
"Along with the focus on youth employability and entrepreneurship, we have found relevancy in IVCO 2023 towards our local volunteerism efforts.
"Malaysia has a rich tradition of volunteerism, deeply ingrained in its collective habits, shaping both individuals and communities.
"Fundamentally, Malaysia's strong tradition of volunteerism, coupled with its unwavering commitment to the concept of ihsan highlights the critical importance of holistic development and the role that volunteering plays in empowering our youth for a brighter future," he said.
He said Malaysia continued to encourage and appreciate the contributions of volunteers as reflected in Budget 2024, where the government will provide an incentive of RM500 to youth who participate in volunteer activities with government-recognised bodies.
YSS chairman Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman said young volunteers had the potential to create positive change in society, and they had consistently worked to equip these volunteers with the skills, knowledge and passion needed to be leaders in volunteering and development.
The theme of the event emphasises the crucial role of this new generation in driving progress and resonates deeply with YSS dedication to inspiring and preparing young leaders for a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable world, she said.
"It is crucial to acknowledge that the objectives of IVCO 2023 represent not just a shared vision but a call to action for all the delegates.
"We firmly believe that by investing in youth leadership development, we are investing in the sustainability and resilience of our communities and our world," Mazlan added.
Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof and International Forum for Volunteering in Development (Forum) Board of Directors chairperson Heather Shapter. By Mohamed Basyir