International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated annually on December 5th, aiming to recognize the contributions of volunteers worldwide and to promote volunteering as a means of fostering community development and global solidarity. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 and is coordinated by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program.

Theme

Each year, International Volunteer Day adopts a theme to highlight specific aspects of volunteering, such as its role in sustainable development, inclusion, or resilience.

Objectives

  • Raise Awareness: Highlight the impact of volunteers in building more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies.
  • Celebrate Volunteers: Acknowledge the dedication and achievements of volunteers at local, national, and international levels.
  • Encourage Participation: Inspire more people to engage in volunteering and contribute to community initiatives.

Importance of Volunteering

    • Community Building: Strengthens social ties and fosters collaboration.
    • Empowerment: Helps marginalized groups participate actively in development.
    • Resilience: Supports disaster recovery and enhances societal resilience.
    • Global Impact: Aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Activities

  • Volunteer fairs and recognition events.
  • Campaigns highlighting volunteer stories and achievements.
  • Workshops and webinars on volunteerism.
  • Community service projects like clean-ups, teaching programs, or tree planting.