International Volunteer Day 2024: Date, History and Theme
The United Nations (UN) celebrates International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on December 5 annually. Commonly known as International Volunteer Day (IVD), this special occasion provides a platform for volunteers worldwide to come together and highlight their invaluable contributions to social and economic development. This day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of volunteerism in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable progress at local, national, and international levels.
The theme underscores the indispensable role of diverse volunteers in creating inclusive and resilient communities.
The spirit of volunteerism is most evident in challenging times, whether combating climate change, addressing conflicts, or tackling social injustices. Volunteers are often the first responders, showing unparalleled courage, dedication, and selflessness.
The UN General Assembly established International Volunteer Day on December 17, 1985 (Resolution 40/212), encouraging governments worldwide to observe it annually on December 5. The goal was to raise awareness of the value of volunteer service and inspire more people to participate.
In 1997, the General Assembly proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) through Resolution 52/17. This initiative recognized the efforts of volunteers and aimed to facilitate their work, create communication networks, and promote the benefits of voluntary service.
The General Assembly adopted a set of recommendations in 2001 (Resolution 56/38) to encourage governments and the UN system to provide support to volunteers and spread awareness about their contributions.
In 2002, the Assembly urged the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme to maximize the potential of International Volunteer Day (Resolution 57/106).
On December 18, 2008, the General Assembly decided to commemorate the 10th anniversary of IYV with two plenary sessions during its 66th session in 2011 (Resolution 63/153).
The UN Volunteers Programme, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), achieved remarkable milestones in 2024:
These efforts enriched collective global initiatives and highlighted the importance of volunteer diversity in driving progress toward the SDGs.
Known as a Founding Father of the United States, Franklin also founded the first volunteer fire department, the Union Fire Company, in 1736. His famous saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” reflects his dedication to public service.
The actor-turned-advocate for people with spinal cord injuries served as:
The renowned author volunteered as a nurse in the Red Cross Hospital during World War I (1914–1917). Her experience later influenced her writing and provided insights into human resilience.
The “First Lady of Song” supported the fight against polio by participating in public service announcements for the March of Dimes in 1958.
America’s first female astronaut, Ride co-founded Camp CEO, which mentored minority girls in collaboration with the Girl Scouts. She also established Sally Ride Science, promoting STEM education for young girls.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | International Volunteer Day (IVD) is observed annually on December 5, highlighting the role of volunteers in global social and economic development. |
| Theme | Diverse Volunteers, Stronger Communities – emphasizing inclusivity and intergenerational collaboration for sustainable development. |
| Significance | – Volunteerism empowers individuals and communities to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). – Volunteers address challenges like climate change, conflicts, and social injustices with dedication and selflessness. |
| History | – 1985: UN General Assembly established IVD (Resolution 40/212). – 1997: Proclaimed 2001 as International Year of Volunteers. – 2001: Recommendations adopted to support global volunteer efforts. – 2002: Strengthened the role of United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. – 2008: Marked the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. |
| 2024 Highlights | – Over 13,000 on-site volunteers and 10,000 online volunteers (aged 18–88) contributed to 70+ UN entities. – Volunteers hailed from 180 countries, enriching global SDG efforts. |
| Famous Volunteers | – Ben Franklin: Founded the first volunteer fire department in 1736. – Christopher Reeve: Advocated for people with spinal cord injuries and co-founded the Reeve Foundation. – Agatha Christie: Volunteered as a nurse during World War I. – Ella Fitzgerald: Supported the fight against polio via public service campaigns. – Sally Ride: Promoted STEM education for girls and co-founded Camp CEO for mentoring minority girls. |
| Key Message | Volunteerism fosters resilience, bridges generations, and accelerates progress on SDGs by enabling communities to take charge of their development. |
| Call to Action | Encouraging people to embrace volunteerism and participate actively in community and global development initiatives. |
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