International Volunteer Day

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. – Charles Dickens

International Volunteer Day 

Today, we celebrate International Volunteer Day for millions of volunteers worldwide to recognize and support the spirit of volunteerism and help create a better future for all – people and the planet.

This year, the campaign recognized 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, a clean environment and good health, inclusive and peaceful societies, and more.

UN is highlighting the below critical messages about the power of volunteerism in line with the campaign theme:

• Volunteerism is universal and strengthens civic engagement, social inclusion, solidarity, and ownership.
  
  
• A top priority for the United Nations is avoiding climate disasters and reducing global warming. Volunteering makes these goals for tomorrow’s generations more likely to be achieved.
  
  
• Volunteers promote people’s engagement and civic participation, which is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

People across the world, UN Agencies and their partners, Member States, and governments across the world have begun IVD celebrations. They are recognizing the contributions and efforts of volunteers and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism through events, activities, conferences, discussions, and volunteer awards.

Volunteer to Fight Hunger  

Resources to Fight Hunger

Feeding America

UNICEF

Meal on Wheels

No KID Hungry

AARP

World Food Program USA

Zero Hunger

Lutheran World Relief

World Central Kitchen

Action Against Hunger

City Harvest

updated 12/04/2024

December 11, 2011 UNICEF Assists Children Globally for 65 Years

UNICEF  was created on December 11, 1946 by the United Nations to provide children with food, clothing and health care. UNICEF believes nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF is active in more than 190 countries and territories through country programs and National Committees.


History of UNICEF
Sir Roger Moore narrates a brief history of UNICEF, telling the story of a small UN agency founded to bring relief to the children in countries torn apart by WWII to the global force for health, education, and child protection it is today.

 

UNICEF Facts

Poverty contributes to malnutrition, which in turn is a contributing factor in over half of the under-five deaths in developing countries. Some 300 million children go to bed hungry every day. Of these only eight per cent are victims of famine or other emergency situations. More than 90 per cent are suffering long-term malnourishment and micronutrient deficiency. (State of the World’s Children, UNICEF, 2005)

In all developing regions, children in rural areas and children from poor households are more likely to be underweight due to lack of nutrition. (Progress for Children, UNICEF, 2010)

884 million people lack access to improved drinking water sources, and 84 per cent of them live in rural areas. (Progress for Children, UNICEF, 2010)

In wake of the floods, malnutrition threatens
thousands of children in Pakistan

 Shop UNICEF

Shop the UNICEF store and help children in need.
Every UNICEF card and gift you buy supports the efforts
to save children’s lives around the world.

Nutrition Gifts
UNICEF Cards and Gifts
UNICEF 2012 Children's Art Wall Calendar 

Nursery Tales Around the World Book

Kids Around the World

UNICEF: "Let's Heal the World"

Young people from different nationalities across the globe

are sending a message of peace and hope through music, 

as part of a UNICEF partnership with Limkokwing University 

of Creative Technology to help create a world fit for children.