Three volunteers in light blue shirts smiling and taking a selfie.
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.
Photo:UNV

Every Contribution Matters


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. 

International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development

This year’s International Volunteer Day will feature the Global Launch of IVY 2026 on 5 December at the UN 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. 

Become an Online Volunteer.


 

International Volunteer Day, commonly known as IVD, is celebrated on 5 December every year. It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It is a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels. United Nations Volunteers joins IVD celebrations with UN Volunteers and all volunteers around the world—amplifying the importance of people-led solutions to our common challenges. 

Did You Know？

  • There are an estimated 1 billion volunteers worldwide. Around 70% volunteer informally – directly helping people in their communities – while 30% engage through formal organizations.
  • Volunteerism takes many forms. Volunteers contribute through local initiatives, online platforms and international assignments.
  • Volunteers are resilient and adaptable. They often work in challenging conditions, bringing creativity, empathy, and endurance to their missions.
  • Volunteering is for everyone. People of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities can volunteer.

Reports

Related Observances

Resources

Volunteerism is one of the most vital delivery mechanisms for social, environmental and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviours. People become actors of change and equal partners in the attainment of local, national and international progress towards sustainable human development and global peace. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme recognizes the shared universal values underpinning volunteerism – free will, commitment, equity, engagement, solidarity, compassion, empathy and respect for others.

 

report cover with abstract design

The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) is a flagship United Nations publication that strengthens understanding of volunteerism and shows its universality, scope and reach in the twenty-first century. Produced every three years, the SWVR examines the contribution of volunteerism to peace and development based on a specific theme. The latest edition of the SWVR report, titled Building Equal and Inclusive Societies, shows that the ways in which volunteers and state authorities interact, collaborate and partner are vital for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.