Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on behalf the International Volunteer Day 2025; December 5th.


IVD 2025


In an era of political division and social isolation, volunteering offers a powerful way to forge connections and foster our shared humanity.

On this International Volunteer Day, we honour the millions across the globe stepping forward to serve their communities and advance the greater good.

This year’s theme, “Every Contribution Matters,” reminds us that everyone has something meaningful to offer, and that every cause, from hunger, to climate, to humanitarian action, benefits from the enthusiasm and expertise of volunteers.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 14,000 people who have served through the United Nations Volunteers programme, and to the countless others who give their time and talents to help neighbours and strangers alike. Your commitment, solidarity and compassion are shaping a better world.

This week also marks the launch of the International Volunteer Year 2026.

Over the next twelve months, I urge everyone, everywhere to volunteer for a cause that matters to you. In times of crisis and uncertainty, you can be the change you wish to see.

Together, we can grow a global movement of volunteers, and build a brighter, more caring future for all.


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

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The State-of-the-art of volunteer measurement.

Image
Building on the case made in chapter 1, this chapter provides a critical overview of the state-of-the-art in volunteer measurement, tracing how approaches have evolved from their origins in statistical and economic terms to the holistic, multi-method frameworks increasingly used today. Examples illustrate how measurement objectives and practices have changed, particularly since the 2000s, alongside a growing understanding of volunteering as a force with economic and social value . From this new holistic perspective, measurement has become key to demonstrating that voluntary action generates public value and deserves recognition from citizens and governments.   As established in chapter 1, how volunteering is measured directly affects how it is valued. This chapter delves into the tools themselves, showing how different approaches can shape narratives and influence decisions. While standardized indicators are essential for comparability – one of the goals addressed by the GIVE fram...
Read more

Recognition fuels action.

Image
 Together, the world can create safe and inclusive volunteering environments , recognize contributions , and innovatenew models of volunteer engagement .    For more details, visit the  International Volunteer Day , the  International Volunteer Year 2026 , and check out the  2026State of the World’s Volunteerism Report . Social media materials are available on  UNV’s Trello board .
Read more

More than 2.1 billion volunteers worldwide act every month to foster solidarity and humanity.

Image
  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN in 2015, is a universal plan for peace and prosperity, featuring 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure well-being for all by 2030, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects with a focus on leaving no one behind through global partnership and action . The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) plays a role in supporting this agenda, especially concerning youth and inclusive development, by mobilizing volunteers for initiatives that address these goals. Volunteer efforts are vital for achieving the 2030 Agenda for SustainableDevelopment , responding to humanitarian emergencies, and building resilient communities
Read more