International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a global celebration of volunteers. It takes place every year on December 5 to shine a light on the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere.

Volunteers are leading social change around the world. This special day promotes the work of volunteers at all levels, including local, national and international.

Last year, the UN marked IVD by recognizing the power of collective action: if everyone did.

If everyone volunteered, the world would be a better place. Imagine more than eight billion of us volunteering. Limitless possibilities for sustainable development – food and education for everyone, clean environment and good health, inclusive and peaceful societies, and more.

Volunteerism is an enormous renewable resource for social, economic and environmental problem-solving throughout the world. As the world faces mounting challenges, volunteers are often the first to help. Volunteers are at the forefront in crises and emergencies, often in very testing and dire situations.

For more information, please visit the United Nations Volunteers website.