International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

Basic Information

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is observed on December 5 which gives a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work.


Observed on: 5 December

Organized by: UN

Introduced in: 1985

Observed: Worldwide


About International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, also known as International Volunteer Day (IVD), is observed on every year December 5.

UN General Assembly on December 17, 1985 decided to observe the International Volunteer Day on every year December 5. Also the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) in November 1997.


Activities and Programs on International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is observed by government organization, non-government organizations, societies, institutions, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals with variety of activities and programs.

Different programs and activities on this day include rallies, voluntary services, voluntary community projects, voluntary programs, etc. On this volunteers day, social media campaign to recognize the volunteers contribution. Other programs includes various competitions, volunteering act, donation campaigns, awards etc.

Social media campaigns are done with hashtags #IVD and with the theme chosen for the year.


Theme for International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 2020 Theme is “Together We Can Through Volunteering

International Volunteer Day #IVD2019 Theme was “Volunteer for an inclusive future

#IVD2018 Theme was “Volunteers build Resilient Communities

IVD 2017 Theme: Volunteers Act First. Here. Everywhere.

2016 Theme: #GlobalApplause – give volunteers a hand, recognizes volunteers worldwide and all they do in making peace and sustainable development a reality

2015 Theme: The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!

2014 Theme: People’s Participation. Make change happen, volunteer!

2013 Theme: Young, Global, Active

2012 Theme: Celebrate our commitment and hope to a better world

2011 Theme: Volunteer Matters

2010 Theme: Share the Story: Volunteering for the MDGs

2009 Theme: Volunteering for our Planet


Click here for List of Important Days or UN Observations

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