Volunteers embody the best of humanity. On this important day, let’s draw inspiration from their example, and resolve to do our part to help shape a better world for all.
António Guterres
Diverse volunteers, stronger communities
For the International Volunteer Day 2024, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) demonstrates its commitment to communities and the wellbeing of UN Volunteers across the globe through concrete community volunteer activities carried out with national and UN system partners.
It is simply not possible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without including people at all stages, at all levels, and at all times.
Volunteering makes people part of the solutions. Volunteerism lets people and communities participate in their development.
The challenges we face—climate change, conflicts, and social injustices can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these trying moments, the spirit of volunteerism shines brighter than ever. In every corner of the world, volunteers are usually the first to respond. They rise to meet challenges with courage, dedication, and selflessness.
Volunteers create a richer culture of service within their communities. They help bridge the gap between generations and support sustainable development.
Volunteering allows us to work together across generations to achieve the SDGs. Volunteering is an intergenerational cycle.
Join us in recognizing volunteers all over the world through our social media campaign, using the hashtag #IVD2024. View the IVD 2024 Trello Board for resources.
Become an Online Volunteer.
International Volunteer Day, commonly known as IVD, is celebrated on 5 December every year. It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It is a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels. United Nations Volunteers joins IVD celebrations with UN Volunteers and all volunteers around the world—amplifying the importance of people-led solutions to our common challenges.
Online Volunteers are becoming a digital powerhouse of the United Nations. They work from afar but are at the core of peace, humanitarian and development efforts. They bring data science into action and walk the talk on volunteering.
Did You Know？
- The monthly number of volunteers aged 15 years and over amounts to 862.4 million worldwide.
- Most volunteer work continues to be arranged informally between individuals, with 14.3% of the global population participating, while 6.5% of working-age people worldwide engage in formal volunteering via an organization or association. A significant percentage of people carry out multiple types of volunteer work.
- While formal volunteers are mostly men, informal volunteers are more likely to be women.
