WASHINGTON, D.C., December 5, 2001—Peace Corps Acting Deputy Director Lloyd Pierson was selected to represent the U.S. delegation in a special closing ceremony today marking the official close of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers 2001.

Pierson’s 10-minute presentation before the General Assembly recognized a number of volunteer organizations who have been active during the past year in developing a registry of volunteer organizations representing a wide array of ethnic and racial diversity and a broad spectrum of generations.

	Acting Deputy Director Lloyd Pierson, Dorothy Sales, Coordinator of Peace Corps\' U.N. Volunteer Program, and New York Regional Office Manager Edwin Jorge take their seats at the U.N. General Assembly.

Pierson recognized both domestic and international organizations including the Peace Corps, U.N. Volunteer Program, the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps, the National Senior Service Corps and the Points of Light Foundation.

Pierson also recognized private-sector organizations, including America’s Promise, founded by Secretary of State Colin Powell, as well as the Association of Junior Leagues International.

Speaking at the one-hour special event, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan acknowledged the “vital contribution” that volunteers make to advance the ideals of the United Nations.



Read the full text of Pierson\'s remarks