"The Rise of the South: Human Progress in a Diverse World” is the title of 2013 Human Development Report launched on March 14th 2013 in Mexico. According to the report many developing countries, referred to as South, made rapid human development gains over past years through valuable investment in education, health and other social services, and active participation in the world economy. The South as a whole is driving global economic growth and societal change for the first time in centuries. “The rise of the South is unprecedented in its speed and scale. Never in history have the living conditions and prospects of so many people changed so dramatically and so fast,” the report says.

Over 500 people attended celebrations of volunteerism in Cambodia during the International Volunteer Day and the National Forum on Volunteerism. The events demonstrated that volunteerism is a viable and necessary strategy for the country’s development.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the major issues facing Cambodian society, and violence specifically against women is widely prevalent. Working with volunteers to tackle GBV at the community level has a huge impact. New publication “Ending Violence Against Women – A Guide to Working with Volunteers” provides insight and practical guidance for involvement of volunteers in programs focused on gender-based violence.