Aqaba, Dec 10 (Petra)- The Regional Office of the United Nations Volunteers Program in Arab States, together with the United Nations Development Programme in Jordan, organized an event in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Aqaba Marine Reserve to mark International Volunteer Day 2025 under the slogan "Every Contribution Matters." Activities included mural painting, tree pruning, and an awareness session as part of the 16 Days Campaign to Combat Gender-Based Violence, in addition to interactive activities with reserve rangers and presentations of youth green initiatives from the Youth Network for Sustainability.

Nedal Al Ouran, ASEZA Environment Commissioner, emphasized that the authority values volunteers’ efforts in protecting the marine environment and supporting national development priorities, noting that volunteers form a key pillar in preserving one of Jordan’s most important natural assets.

Al Ouran added that celebrating International Volunteer Day recognizes the volunteers’ significant contributions, not only in strengthening the resilience of the Aqaba Marine Reserve but also in supporting environmental and community initiatives in the region.

He highlighted that the spirit of service and commitment to environmental protection demonstrated by volunteers serves as a true model of community participation in safeguarding the unique biodiversity of the Gulf of Aqaba and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for coming generations.

Yuichiro Sakai, Deputy Regional Director of the UN Volunteers Program, underlined the importance of the event, noting its timing coincides with the launch of the International Year of Volunteers 2026.

//Petra// AF