contacts and field volunteers to be the focal point for such action. While he is conscious of the urgent necessity to do more of an operational nature in this field, he also recognizes the imperative to avoid the creation of additional organizational units. The Administrator therefore wishes to suggest that the Council, in the light of UNV’s solid institutional capacity and several years of working experience with DDS governmental and non-governmental organizations, lend its full support to the UNV programme of participatory development and consider favourably any new operational and financial arrangements which a major new thrust in this direction may imply. II.INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY A.The comin@ of a@e of international volunteer service 37. The increasingly widespread and varied operation of the UNV programme - with activities currently in some 100 developing countries - should be considered as an expression of the growing importance that peoples and Governments of the world attach to the volunteer movement. The programme has learned much from this movement and from the governmental and non-governmental organizations that have given it support and encouragement. The UNV/DDS programme in particular has aimed at reorienting the volunteer movement towards local and national self-reliance, and at linking voluntarism with technical assistance with the recognition in all countries - especially LDCs - of the value of participatory development. 38. International voluntarism, as exemplified by the bilateral volunteer programmes and UNV, has reached the stage where, the Administrator believes, it can truly be said to have come of age. Despite the Justifiable emphasis on technical skills and priorities, the idea of service lies atthe heart of the international volunteer movement. 39. Service to others is as old as mankind; people have always been driven to try to improve their imperfect world. Voluntary action has consistently
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the importance of volunteerism and its role in development, particularly in developing countries. It mentions technical assistance, participatory development, and the value of local and national self-reliance. These themes suggest a focus on economic development and humanitarian aid, rather than other categories.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Economic development