The value and impact of volunteers is celebrated every day of the year, but a special day is set aside each year to mark the contribution of volunteers in making the world a better place. This year’s International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December focuses on the theme of solidarity through volunteering.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme's slogan for this IVD – Together, Act Now – highlights the value of volunteers and their ability to create positive change. Events to mark the day are held in every region of the world, bringing together volunteers, governments, and civil society to celebrate the spirit of volunteering. This IVD, UNV encourages all our partners to join us in our campaign, with the associated hashtag #TogetherActNow.
It is estimated that more than a billion people around the world volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve the communities they live in. From providing practical support to vulnerable children and adults, to advising on sophisticated technical and legal issues, volunteers are present at all levels of society. Each one brings a specific set of skills to the tasks they take on.
On International Volunteer Day, we pay tribute to volunteers across the globe. Their time, efforts and passion make a positive impact on people’s lives and helps address the planet’s most challenging issues. On behalf of everyone at the UN and elsewhere, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their ongoing commitment. --Toily Kurbanov, UNV Executive Coordinator
Climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, together with political and economic shocks around the world expose the vulnerabilities facing many people and communities. The act of volunteering, and the solidarity it demonstrates, helps to provide at least some support to the ones who need it the most.
IVD is also an opportunity to encourage more people to think how they can volunteer within their own societies. We want to recognize the invaluable contribution volunteers are already making and encourage more people to join them.
So, wherever you are, we invite you to join us. Let us #TogetherActNow and celebrate more than a billion volunteers the world over.
- Find out more about International Volunteer Day and this year's theme, Together, Act Now.
- Learn about events in your country and region through the interactive map.
- Read more about UNV and UN Volunteers and the work we do throughout the year to promote and celebrate volunteerism.