As Brunei Darussalam celebrated International Volunteer Day 2024 yesterday, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, in his message, urged more people to get involved in volunteer activities.
Addressing the youth, he highlighted the importance of using their energy, creativity and innovation to scale up current volunteer projects and pioneer new initiatives that can have a significant impact on the community.
To organisations, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi emphasised the need to encourage and support a culture of volunteerism in their workplaces, communities and institutions. He also called on all parties to continue to foster interaction and cooperation between generations and various races in all types of volunteerism, whether through participation, training or guidance.
The minister expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the opportunity to celebrate International Volunteer Day 2024. He described volunteering as the ‘heartbeat of progress’ and highlighted how small acts of kindness can lead to big changes. This year’s focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aligns well with Brunei Vision 2035, particularly in strengthening an inclusive, harmonious and sustainable society.
He emphasised that volunteers are agents of change who play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs. In an era filled with challenges such as climate change, social inequality and poverty, volunteers serve as catalysts for creative solutions and practical actions in society.
Volunteers, the minister explained, not only support communities but also act as strategic partners in the government’s efforts to ensure inclusive development. They contribute to strengthening social relationships, improving the community’s standard of living, driving positive change and mobilising joint efforts towards long-term sustainability.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi expressed pride in the active involvement of young volunteers through platforms like the Mengalinga app and various initiatives under government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. He also highlighted the importance of intergenerational cooperation in building a harmonious and resilient community. Each generation brings unique perspectives, experiences and energy, which, when combined, can produce a greater impact on society.
The minister expressed hope that the spirit of volunteerism will continue to grow not only nationally but also regionally and globally. He emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN member countries through platforms like the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Exchange, which will facilitate the sharing of best practices and collaborative problem-solving.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi urged everyone to appreciate International Volunteer Day with sincerity and sacrifice. He expressed his hope that efforts to honour the volunteer culture would continue to be blessed and become a valuable legacy for future generations and extended his deepest appreciation to all volunteers for their invaluable contributions. – James Kon
