Delivered by Mr. Khalid Malik,United Nations Resident Coordinator in China

On the eve of the opening of the Games of the 29th Olympiad, I send my encouragement and appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of Beijing Olympic and Paralympic volunteers who will be serving in the 2008 Summer Games -- especially to those who have made distinctive contributions to building better lives for people throughout China.

The vital role of volunteers in China has been highlighted this year, not only through the tremendous efforts of preparing for the Games, but also in the response of millions who volunteered to assist those affected by the tragic Wenchuan earthquake in May.  Let me also recognize all those who give of their energy and talent to help protect the environment, advance education, and combat HIV and AIDS.

Through these remarkable efforts by volunteers in China, the potential and importance of volunteerism will be seen and recognized around the world. I hope that many more will follow their example.

联合国秘书长“为北京奥运志愿者喝彩”庆祝活动致辞

由联合国系统驻华协调员马和励宣读

在第29届奥运会开幕的前夕，我谨对即将服务于北京2008年夏季奥林匹克运动会、残疾人奥运会的全体志愿者致以崇高的敬意和极大的鼓励，特别是对那些为提高中国人民生活水平而作出卓越贡献的志愿者。

中国志愿者的重要作用在今年特别突出。这不仅体现在为奥运会准备的工作当中，而且体现在数以百万的志愿者投入到援助5月份汶川地震的灾民的活动中。我对那些把自己的精力和才智投入到环保、教育和抗击艾滋病事业的志愿者表示充分的认可。

正是中国志愿者们出色的工作，体现了志愿者精神的重要，也得到了全世界的认可。我衷心希望有越来越多的人更够加入到志愿者的事业当中。