Message from President Mattarella to celebrate the 38th International Volunteer Day

Courtesy translation

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent the following message to Chiara Tommasini, the president of CSVnet, the Italian national association of volunteering service centres:

«Volunteering knows no dividing line between people and strengthens the ties of solidarity and participation between communities, peoples, and nations, gratuitously providing relief to whoever lives in conditions of hardship and reinforcing the protection of fundamental rights.

The spontaneous upsurge in solidarity-based actions during the calamitous events that have struck numerous areas - including of our own territory - in regional theatres of armed conflicts, and also in the course of the pandemic, has created informal networks and restored the hope of reconstruction and of a new start to thousands of persons and families.

Voluntary work is the invaluable factor in implementing synergic actions to tackle complex situations in compliance with that social contract that is the groundwork for peaceful coexistence and loyal collaboration for the common good.

The dedication of volunteer workers is an essential element also in tackling the global challenges that are putting a strain on States and societies, in order to pass on a better world to future generations.

On the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, I would like to address an expression of my appreciation to the City of Cosenza, the Italian Volunteering Capital 2023, and of the Republic's gratitude to the many volunteers who promptly and selflessly offer their constant help in alleviating every form of vulnerability. »