"On International Volunteer Day, we recognize the dedication of volunteers, their admirable spirit of service, and their wide-ranging efforts to promote the goals of the United Nations. With the world population having surpassed seven billion this year, we must tap every person’s potential to help others. Everyone can make a difference. Volunteering matters."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Volunteer Day
for Economic and Social Development
5 December 2011
International Volunteer Day (IVD) offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme works closely with partners and governments to establish national volunteer programmes to create structures that foster and sustain local volunteerism in countries. Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development and working to achieve the MDGs.
Volunteering Matters
In the lead-up to 5 December, UNV aims to showcase why volunteering matters and engage as many UN Volunteers as possible in responding to key volunteering issues. This will be done through a mix of discussion-point videos, a photo competition and bold social media engagement, all coming together on a dedicated and interactive webpage.
Volunteering Matters is an online initiative by UNV to mark International Volunteer Day 2011. Visit the campaign website for more information.