Participation of volunteers, “White Helmets”, in the activities of the United Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development A/RES/67/84 Recognizing further that the international community, in addressing the growing magnitude and complexity of disasters and chronic challenges, such as hunger, malnutrition and poverty, must rely on the formulation of a well-coordinated global response within the framework of the United Nations and on the promotion of a smooth transition from relief to rehabilitation, reconstruction and development, Recognizing that the White Helmets initiative has demonstrated the potential of regional partnerships and encouraged the participation of affected or vulnerable populations in the tasks of planning, training, mobilizing and providing an immediate response in disaster situations and complex emergencies, Emphasizing the need to integrate a gender perspective in the design and implementation of all phases of disaster risk reduction, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations, in particular section VI.B thereof, prepared pursuant to resolution 46/182 and submitted in response to resolution 64/75; 2 2. Recognizes the efforts being made by the White Helmets initiative to strengthen national, subregional and regional agreements in Latin America and the Caribbean; Also recognizes the work done by the White Helmets in coordination 3. with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the Secretariat to promote the interchange of humanitarian experiences and best practices among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean; Takes note of the work done by the White Helmets in strengthening 4. subregional mechanisms for disaster risk reduction, including support to the Forum on Cooperation and Coordination of Subregional Mechanisms for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas; Recognizes the work undertaken with the International Strategy for 5. Disaster Reduction to strengthen the disaster risk reduction agenda and generate practical tools for the campaign entitled “Making Cities Resilient: My city is getting ready”, and encourages all relevant stakeholders to participate actively in the consultation process leading to the post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework; Notes the emphasis placed on the development of mechanisms to 6. facilitate the local management of humanitarian emergencies through the organization, participatory involvement and empowerment of affected communities and the training of the members of local volunteer corps; Commends the contributions of national and international volunteers for 7. their fundamental role in disaster risk reduction, response and recovery; 8. Takes note of the agreement signed in 2012 between the United Nations Volunteers and the White Helmets Commission, which will allow for continuation of the joint work launched in 1995, and invites Member States in a position to do so to consider means of supporting collaboration of the White Helmets with their programme activities and to consider making financial resources available to the Special Voluntary Fund of the United Nations Volunteers; _______________ 2 2/3 A/67/89-E/2012/77.