Cyprus

Paragraphs that mention volunteering

Paragraph 1, page 4

Under the adopted integrated policy framework, stakeholders from Civil Society, Active Citizenship, Volunteerism and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) play a pivotal role in the implementation of the SDGs. […] Furthermore, to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy, the Government has adopted a support package for employees, the selfemployed, vulnerable groups and businesses, which in 2020 amounted to €2.6 bln or 12.5% of GDP. Cyprus’ pioneering mobilisation of its volunteer network, under the coordination of the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs, received EU-wide recognition for its prompt and effective support of vulnerable groups following prescribed security protocols.

Paragraph 2, page 6

A section is specifically focused on the Coronavirus Pandemic Effect. Cyprus’ Government top priority was the protection and health of its citizens as well as the support of the social and economic fallout of the pandemic. The active engagement of volunteers during this time was noteworthy and widely recognised. [...] Governance structures and public bodies’ approaches to SDGs have been considered for analysing the implementation of SDGs. The integrated policy framework in the fields of Civil Society and Volunteerism forms a key aspect towards the progress of SDGs

Paragraph 3, page 8

For the purposes of this Report, the main stakeholders, including the Parliament, the Commissioners for Environment, for Volunteerism, for Children’s Rights and for Equality and Justice, have been asked by the National Coordinator to send their views in writing

Paragraph 4, page 11

The long-time integrated policy framework in the fields of Civil Society, Active Citizenship, Volunteerism and NGOs forms a key aspect for the implementation of the SDGs. Citizens are called upon to play their part in building a better, more democratic society, therefore, the development of Active Citizenship skills and attitudes is crucial. The coordination of all voluntary and non-governmental organisations in all sectors of activity and the strengthening of cooperation with local authorities is carried out by the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs. Additionally, the Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC) is the Supreme Coordinative Body of voluntary social welfare organisations in the Republic of Cyprus. The PVCC is an umbrella organisation representing more than 400 national and local voluntary/non-governmental organisations.

Paragraph 5, page 13

It is important to note that the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs coordinates all voluntary and non-governmental organisations, and encourages the cooperation with local authorities. Through policy recommendations, the Office of the Commissioner encourages active citizen participation with emphasis on the young generation and utilises European Programmes to fund NGOs and programmes that support active citizenship. Three relevant Policy Papers, the “Charter of Active Citizenship and Active Citizen”, “Organised Civil Society in Cyprus” and “Declaration of the Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers” have been approved by the Council of Ministers in an effort to empower, increase and structure volunteerism activities. Additionally, the Office of the Commissioner is responsible for developing protocols for the safe mobilisation of volunteers, including insurance coverage, in times of crisis and emergencies; the protocol was successfully put in action as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cyprus volunteer organisations in the social and philanthropic area are also coordinated under the Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC), founded in 1973. PVCC, focusing on social activities, promotes the principles and values of volunteerism and seeks to deliver a strategic vision for the further development of the voluntary sector.[...] Cyprus has a tradition of voluntary engagement with 12.4% of the population aged 16 and older engaged in voluntary activity. This has been strengthened with the set up of a web platform: www.prosfero.com.cy, which supports NGOs in their effort to find volunteers and gain supporters/sponsors. [...] Since 2018 the “Active Citizen Awards” have been launched in order to reward and encourage the initiatives and achievements of citizens who contributed by their actions to the common good, as well as employees who with their initiatives contributed significantly in the field of volunteering. At the same time, an online platform engaging Civil Society and NGOs in the 2030 Agenda is currently under development by the Office of the Commissioner of Volunteerism and NGOs and the DG EPCD: www.initiative2030.gov.cy that will allow the mapping of SDGrelated actions and raise awareness of the Civil Society / NGOs, the schools / universities, the local authorities, the private sector and the wider public sector.

Paragraph 6, page 20

In addition to the Government initiatives, it is worth noting, that Cyprus’ pioneering mobilisation of its volunteer network, under the coordination of the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs, received EU-wide recognition for its prompt and effective support of vulnerable groups following prescribed security protocols.

Paragraph 7, page 21

Voluntary actions that addressed the pandemic were coordinated by the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteering and NGOs. The goal remained to activate the minimum number of volunteers with targeted actions, in order to minimise the possibility of enabling the spreading of the pandemic and to protect public health. The services of volunteers and organised groups who have been registered in the “Volunteer Management Protocol in Times of Crisis” were utilised under the strict observance of the instructions and following the protocols of the Office in the implementation of the action they carried out. This initiative received the award of the “Civil Solidarity Prize” by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) honouring civil society organisations, individuals and private companies whose projects have excelled as examples of remarkable solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Initiative “Volunteers to support vulnerable groups during the pandemic” was specifically distinguished for the distribution of food supplies and medicines, and support to vulnerable groups, people who were in mandatory quarantine in hotels, and support with special medication by specialised volunteers for covid-19 cases. More specifically, during the total lockdownin April and May 2020, more than 8,000 actions were carried out, providing food and medical supplies, daily services and assistance to isolated individuals and families. 850 volunteers were activated and the effort was supported by Ministries, NGOs, companies and enterprises, the Support CY Network and other bodies.

Paragraph 8, page 31

A Protocol of Cooperation has been signed with relevant NGOs aiming at the enhancement of coordination and collaboration with the voluntary sector for the provision of services and support to victims of trafficking and facilitating their access to information, housing, employment and social integration.

Paragraph 9, page 34

Within the framework of cultivating volunteerism and active citizenship in schools, a pioneering educational programme for children is expected to start in September 2021 that includes experiential and other activities for each of the 17 SDGs. All this useful material will “travel” to many schools throughout Cyprus, in a “suitcase”.

Paragraph 10, page 60

The Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs encourages Active Citizenship in children and young people as a tool for crime and addiction prevention. It coordinates the Public Consultation of the Children’s Parliament and the promotion of Volunteerism in schools (Handbook for primary and secondary school teachers “Cultivation of Volunteerism and Active Citizenship in Schools”).

Paragraphs that mention the integration of volunteering into development plans, policies and strategies No mention