5 December

International Volunteer Day is a chance for individual volunteers, communities and organisations to promote their contributions to development at local, national and international level. It is a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations of volunteers to work with government agencies, non-profit institutions, community groups, academia and the private sector.

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (IVD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and civil society organisations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on 5 December.