International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It is observed on December 5 every year. International Volunteer Day provides a unique opportunity for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values and to promote their work among their communities, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, academia as well as the private sector. The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 1985. The year 2001 was proclaimed as the International Year of Volunteers at the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1997. This observance was for the purpose of furthering the recognition of volunteers.