International Volunteer Day

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted through Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and civil society organizations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day. The International Volunteer Day mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector. 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.

FORUM: " Together We Can Through Volunteering'' International Volunteer Day 2020.

Over the last months, as the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged across the world, volunteers have been at the forefront of medical, community and societal responses. Headlines in the world’s media have paid credit to volunteers for all kinds of work, from helping to provide medical care, to doing shopping for vulnerable neighbours, or checking up on elderly people living alone. The COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan by the WHO identifies community volunteers as key stakeholders for risk communication and community engagement. This indicates the valuable and great effort the WHO believes volunteers are doing during COVID-19.


Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on International Volunteer Day 2020, December 5th.

Every year on 5 December, the world observes International Volunteer Day.

This year, we are highlighting the important contributions of volunteers to the response to COVID-19.

Around the world, volunteers have been assisting vulnerable groups, correcting misinformation, educating children, providing essential services to the elderly, and supporting front-line health workers.

As we gradually recover from the pandemic, volunteers will have a key role to play in accelerating the transition to green, inclusive and just economies.

Indeed, volunteering is the backbone of our societies.

Often working with the United Nations, volunteers build a sense of togetherness.

They strengthen social cohesion.

And they help to protect communities, especially by reaching those most at need.

That is why, on International Volunteer Day, I appeal to all governments to promote volunteering, support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Volunteers deserve our heartfelt thanks.

António Guterres, U.N. Secretary General.


CAMPAIGN: The IVD2020 campaign thanks volunteers worldwide and also sheds light on the difficulties and needs of volunteers during the pandemic. Showing the impact of volunteers in their communities during this crisis, we will reach to all corners of the globe with the message "Together We Can Through Volunteering." The blue heart emoji will be associated with the IVD2020 tagline and contribute to building a campaign image that conveys a positive feeling, solidarity, and compassion toward volunteers.

-The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV works with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well-supported UN Volunteers into United Nations (UN) efforts and promotes the value and global recognition of volunteerism.

To learn more about the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, our recruitment policies, minimum requirements to serve as a UN Volunteer, details on professional profiles, as well as support provided to UN Volunteers, please visit https://www.unv.org/becomevolunteer

AUDIO-VIDEO PODCATS

António Guterres (UN Secretary-General) on International Volunteer day 2020.


Every year on 5 December, the world observes International Volunteer Day. This year, we are highlighting the important contributions of volunteers to the response to COVID-19.


Online event: Together we can through volunteering (International Volunteer Day 2020).

Highlighting and thanking volunteers for their contribution to the COVID-19 response, as well as further shining light on the importance of advocating for the mental and physical health, along with access to health insurance and healthcare, of volunteers.

The UNV Online Volunteering service allows volunteers to help organizations achieve their goals via the Internet, without barriers of time and place. From your current location, you can undertake short-term tasks to accelerate development projects and advance causes that matter to you! This is how it works: Your first step is to find an online volunteering opportunity that interests you. Opportunities posted by development organizations are published on the Opportunity Search page of the Online Volunteering service website. Use the search filters or keyword search to find an opportunity that is right for you. Study the opportunity description carefully to make sure you meet the outlined requirements and can commit the time indicated.

After creating an account on www.onlinevolunteering.org, you can submit your application directly to the organizations that needs support. To do so, click on the “Apply” button on the bottom of the opportunity page and complete the application form. Make sure that your application contains enough information to convince the organization that you are an ideal candidate for the task. It is always a good idea to attach your CV.

Wait for the organization to review your application and to contact you. You may receive more detailed questions about your qualifications, or be asked to submit work samples or do a short test as part of the application. The organization will inform you whether or not your application was successful. If you are selected, make sure you clarify the deliverables, the assignment’s deadlines and timeframe with the organization before you begin your collaboration. If you have any doubts as to whether you will be able to meet the deadlines and invest the time required, let the organization know and search for an opportunity that better fits your schedule.

Do you want to register on the UN Volunteers' Global Talent Pool?

Watch this video for the specific steps you must follow:

1. Create your profile in VMAM at https://vmam.unv.org.

2. Complete the profile with your skills, educational qualifications, and professional experiences. Make sure all fields are filled. Only fully complete profiles will be considered for UNV assignments.

3. Congratulations! Now you are in the UNV candidate database. You will be contacted when there is an assignment matching your qualifications. Also, check regularly for special calls to which you can apply directly.

4. Make sure to keep your profile up to date. An updated profile increases your chances of being shortlisted.

If you have any issues during registration, please contact us at volunteer.support@unv.org

The Role of the United Nations Volunteers.

Volunteerism engages people from the ground up to make lasting changes. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. It promotes the spirit of volunteerism, which is spreading as a way of life. UNV is the only entity capable of mobilizing large numbers of highly qualified volunteers, who serve the UN system in war-torn communities, classrooms, hospitals and homes.

How to get extra support from UN Online Volunteers: Webinar.

This webinar will explain how non-profit organizations can benefit from the expertise and capacity of more than half a million online volunteers. The webinar provides guidance on the sign-up process, posting of online volunteering opportunities, selection of candidates and successful online collaboration with volunteers, and includes the experience of an NGO that involves online volunteers in its projects.