The Theme of the International Volunteer Day 2021 is “Volunteer now for our common future.” UNV coordinates the day on 5 December every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ahead of International Volunteer Day 2021, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner thanks the over 1 billion volunteers worldwide serving their communities every day and helping build forward better.
Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming.
The International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an international observance that was mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and international levels.
Through the IVD campaign this year, Volunteer now for our common future, we aim to inspire people, whether they are decision makers or citizens of this world, to take action NOW for people and the planet.
When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting. Volunteers engage communities and build a people-centric movement to help build a better and safer future for us all.
For the generations of TOMORROW, we must take responsibility for the changes needed to build a better future NOW. Encouraging, recognizing and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide.
If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever. –Kofi Annan, late United Nations Secretary- General
Events
The below map features the details of select events being organized around the world for the observance of the International Volunteer Day 2021. Click on the pins to find more details on the events in each country.
Campaign
Join our campaign, Volunteer now for our common future, through which we mark International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December. In the lead-up to #IVD2021, let us celebrate the contributions of the millions who volunteer. Join the campaign by posting a photo, video or graphic to show how you #VolunteerNow for our common future! You can find visuals and other resources for common use in the campaign on this Trello Board.
UNV ROCWA
Western and Central Africa Regions
UNV East and Southern Africa
East and Southern Africa Regions
The campaign this year is focused on decision-makers more than in the past. It is important to integrate volunteers and the spirit of volunteerism into national and global implementation strategies to achieve the SDGs and build an inclusive world. By volunteering, people take action to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Therefore, the theme for this year’s campaign is “Volunteer now for our common future”.
We are highlighting the below key messages about the power of volunteerism in line with our campaign theme:
- Volunteerism is universal and strengthens civic engagement, social inclusion, solidarity, and ownership.
- A top priority for the United Nations is avoiding climate disasters and reducing global warming. Through volunteering these goals, for tomorrow’s generations, are more likely to be achieved.
- Volunteers promote people’s engagement and civic participation, which is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
People across the world, UN Agencies and their partners, Member States, and governments across the world have begun IVD celebrations. They are recognizing the contributions and efforts of volunteers and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism through events, activities, conferences, discussions, and volunteer awards.
So far, we can see 200+ events and activities around the world for IVD celebrations on our Map. 100+ countries are participating in recognizing volunteers and we are hosting 13 UNV Country Awards with our partners and local authorities. 100+ Media channels and news agencies are covering the celebrations across the world online. More than 20 of our partners and influencers from across the world are encouraging people to appreciate the efforts of volunteers and volunteer their time for our common home.
The cosmos and the stars are celebrating IVD as well! Watch the videos below as Roscosmos cosmonauts send greetings to all volunteers from the International Space Station.
Additionally, people across the world are joining in the online celebrations and showing support to volunteers – there are 7000+ posts across social media with our campaign hashtag #IVD2021 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The social media campaigning at UNV for IVD 2021 had begun on 5th November 2021.
EVENTS
To join in IVD celebrations, support volunteers, and know more about the power of volunteerism.
Conferences and meetings
Volunteerism for the Future of People and the Planet and Celebrating Volunteer Impact for the SDGs.
On International Volunteer Day, Expo will celebrate the heroes of communities around the world. Volunteers play an invaluable role in working to improve the lives around them.
International Volunteer Day 2021 at Expo2020, Dubai.
The specialist event brings together Expo’s Partner ecosystem to explore how emerging volunteer models can be a pathway for building equal and inclusive societies within the pursuit of achieving the SDGs, and encouraging volunteerism worldwide.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 