This year’s International Volunteer Day is a moment to recognise the one billion people who volunteer across the world. 

From local communities to global initiatives, volunteers remind us that progress often starts with the selfless actions of those willing to make a difference. 

In the year 2024, they once again demonstrated their pivotal role as first responders in times of crises.

That includes United Nations Volunteers who have supported humanitarian efforts in Gaza, assisted families affected by the war in Ukraine and helped restore basic services and livelihoods in Myanmar.

Today’s volunteers are demonstrating remarkable adaptability, embracing new ways to serve.

For instance, hundreds of volunteers, committed to advancing peace with nature were at the heart of the Conference of the Parties in Colombia earlier this year.

Or look to South Sudan, where volunteers are taking a stand against sexualized violence during local elections. Our world is changing, and so too are the ways volunteers engage. The rise of digital and remote volunteering enables anyone to contribute also to global causes from anywhere in the world.

From mentoring young innovators, to using technology to craft environmental solutions, volunteers are actively taking the reins in shaping a more sustainable future.

So far in 2024, over 13,000 on-site UN Volunteers have served with over 70 UN entities and missions as part of the UN Volunteers programme, which is proudly hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This year has also seen a record number of 10,000 Online Volunteers, ranging from the ages of 18 to 88.

Hailing from some 180 countries, UN Volunteers bring with them unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that enrich our collective efforts.

As the UN Secretary-General has highlighted, volunteers from diverse backgrounds must be able to play an even greater role in driving progress on the Sustainable Development Goals at the country- and community-levels.

On behalf of UNDP, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and admiration to every volunteer who has given their time, energy, and expertise to improve our world.

Your work embodies the Pact for the Future, which champions the belief that true progress is driven by the contributions of people on the ground, working across borders to shape what comes next.

Indeed, your efforts are not only changing our world today.
Ultimately, you are paving the way for a legacy of possibilities, resilience, and a lasting optimism that will inspire those who inherit this world.

Happy International Volunteer Day and thank you.

Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

On International Volunteer Day, 5 December, we pay tribute to volunteers around the world. Let us recognize their contributions, onsite or online, for every act of service counts. Find out how you can volunteer at unv.org.