New York, USA: As we celebrate the impact of volunteers on our world, let us remember the many places they are needed: in war zones and classrooms, in hospitals and homes – wherever struggling people seek a helping hand. Let us also remember that volunteering can embrace all people, from the activist who works full-time for a cause to the occasional citizen who reaches out when he or she can. Each sets an example of the spirit of compassion we need. Each makes a valuable contribution to reaching our common goals. Read

New York, USA: Today, on International Volunteer Day 2012, we celebrate the commitment that volunteers bring to making the world a better place, and the impact they have. The core values of volunteerism – striving for the common good in a spirit of solidarity and without expecting material reward - are shared universally across cultures, languages, and religions. Read

Bonn, Germany: On International Volunteer Day 2012, we celebrate the commitment and impact that volunteers bring to making the world a better place. Today, we uphold the values of volunteerism - solidarity, reciprocity, mutual trust and belonging – which are universal and transcend the boundaries of culture, language and geography. Read

New York, USA: Working with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), a team of three UN Online Volunteers turned the print version of the United Nations 2013 calendar into an iPhone application. The UN Calender of Observances  app is also the product of collaboration within DPI itself, including staff and interns. This personal task management tool aims to foster interest in and support for the work of the United Nations, and can be downloaded for free from the iTunes Store. Read

London, United Kingdom: The 70,000 volunteers who served the London 2012 Paralympic Games, included persons with disabilities.  In their trademark purple t-shirts, they helped athletes on and off the sports fields and visitors throughout the vast metropolis. Read

Bonn, Germany: Ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December and International Volunteer Day on 5 December, UNAIDS and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme co-hosted a live Facebook chat on 29 November 2012 with two UNV doctors who are supporting the HIV response in Malawi. Dr. Elizabeth Muviri is stationed at Blantyre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Dr. Stephen Chu is overseeing the South East Zone (six districts). Read

Bonn, Germany: International Volunteer Day (IVD), on December 5th, was designated by the United Nations in 1985 as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism. It is an opportunity for volunteers, and volunteer organizations, to raise awareness of, and gain recognition for, the contribution they make to their communities. People around the world will celebrate IVD with rallies, parades, volunteer fairs, group clean ups, blood donations, conferences, exhibitions, fundraising, workshops and volunteer recognition events.  Read

Aceh, Indonesia: Among its findings, the Partners for Prevention study “Contributions of Volunteerism to the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Aceh” recommends restoring traditional volunteerism practices to combat violence against women in Indonesia. Read

The Golden Book of the City of Bonn, Germany has been signed by world leaders and distinguished personalities throughout the years. The most recent honour was bestowed on the Executive Coordinator of UNV, Ms Flavia Pansieri. Ms Pansieri was invited to sign the prestigious book in recognition of her steadfast leadership in the growth and development of the United Nations in Bonn. Read

Universal Children's Day, on 20 November, is marked each year to promote the well-being of children. Countries all over the world celebrate the day in different ways to support children's welfare and children's rights.

See how UN Volunteers play a key role in advocating for and protecting children. Visit site