Every Contribution Matters.

 

December 5th, 2025



UNV

Volunteering means giving time, skills, and energy freely to benefit others or contribute to a cause, without financial compensation. It can be formal or informal, local or global.


This year, under the inspiring theme “Every Contribution Matters,” International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 takes on historic significance as it marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This milestone follows UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/127, which calls for a worldwide movement to recognize and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

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.


This year’s International Volunteer Day will feature the Global Launch of International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 on December 5th at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York.

Aligned with the 2025 IVD theme, "Every contribution matters", the event invites Member States to pledge measures to embed volunteerism in development strategies and lead national campaigns. Follow the global launch on UN WebTV.

National Launches across the globe.

Join us in recognizing volunteers all over the world through our social media campaign, using the hashtag #IVD2025, #IVY2026 and #VolunteerYear. View the IVD 2025 & IVY 2026 Trello Board for resources. 

Location: 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

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