Kathmandu, Dec 5: Today is the International Volunteer Day. The World Soil Day also falls on today. Both the Days are celebrated in most of the members of the United Nations every year at the call of the UN.
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, which calls for a worldwide movement to recognize and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the 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.
The UN had proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers in November 1997 with a view to making voluntary service an essential contribution in addressing social, economic, cultural, humanitarian and peace-building issues.
Celebration of the IVD was officially started when the UN General Assembly designated December 5th as the day in 1985, encouraging countries to raise awareness and recognize volunteer contributions to development.
On this occasion, the United Nations has stated member states are expected to express their commitment to include volunteers in development strategies and to carry out national campaigns at the General Assembly Hall in New York today.
On the same occasion, Secretary-General António Guterres in his message expressed gratitude to all volunteers. In the message, he highlighted that the sacrifice, courage, and humanity of volunteers, who voluntarily dedicate their time, energy, and skills while facing challenges such as natural disasters, assisting conflict-affected communities, and working on poverty eradication, serve as a source of inspiration for the world today.
UN volunteers are active in promoting peace, justice, and equality in 169 member countries. The World Soil Day is observed every year on 5 December with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of healthy soil and promoting its sustainable management. Around the world, debates and campaigns on soil conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and necessary measures to reduce the impact of climate change are carried out on this day
