UN Celebrates International Volunteer Day 2022: 'If Everyone Did...'
Today, December 5th, marks International Volunteer Day (IVD), an annual celebration designated by the United Nations in 1985. This year's theme, 'If everyone did...', emphasizes the power of collective action and volunteerism in driving change and solidarity worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on everyone to stand with volunteers on this special day. He highlights the crucial role volunteers play, often being the first to help in crises and emergencies. 'If everyone did...' encourages us to imagine the impact if everyone contributed their time and skills to causes they care about.
The UN Volunteers (UNV) programme, a global leader in volunteerism, provides opportunities for citizens to volunteer across various UN pillars. It advocates for volunteer recognition and mobilizes volunteers worldwide, with over a billion people already acting for solidarity and humanity. High-level IVD events are taking place in seven countries this year, including Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Iraq, Ireland, Tanzania, Thailand, and Togo.
International Volunteer Day recognizes the value of volunteerism in peace and development. It serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to make a difference. By volunteering, we can collectively create a better, more inclusive world for all.
