International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 is a global observance established by the UN General Assembly in 1985 to celebrate the power of volunteerism. What began as a UN General Assembly mandate in 1985 has grown into a global movement. IVD is a day to celebrate volunteers everywhere and to champion the spirit of volunteerism—locally, nationally, and globally. It's a day where the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) stands alongside UN Volunteers and more than a billion volunteers worldwide, shining a spotlight on the power of people-led solutions to tackle our shared challenges. Together, we show that when individuals take action, communities thrive and progress accelerates.
This year, under the inspiring theme “Every Contribution Matters,” IVD 2025 takes on historic significance as it marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This milestone follows UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/127, which calls for a worldwide movement to recognize and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
International Volunteer Day 2025 & IVY 2026 Trello
This year's IVD features the Global Launch of IVY 2026 on 5 December
Press Release on 5 December marking the launch of IVY 2026
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on IVD 2025
UNV Executive Coordinator's speech at the UNGA
Global Launch UN General Assembly, New York