About

UN Volunteers coordinates International Volunteer Day to recognise and celebrate the vital work of volunteers, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers worldwide. Each day, volunteers contribute their time, skills and heart to strengthen inclusion, support climate action and progress the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read about the history of International Volunteer Day on the UN Volunteers website.

The 5 December 2025 marked an important moment as the official launch of International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY2026), a global initiative that highlights the crucial role of volunteering in achieving sustainable development.

Volunteering Australia’s Role

Volunteering Australia proudly supports International Volunteer Day each year by championing the contribution of volunteers across the country. We believe volunteering empowers people to make a positive impact and helps create communities that are inclusive, connected and flourishing.

Our shared vision is a future where volunteering is the heart of Australian communities.

International Volunteer Day reflects this vision. It encourages a collective commitment to ensuring everyone can participate, feel valued and contribute in ways that strengthen connections and belonging across Australia.

Shop

Show your appreciation for your volunteers with meaningful gifts of gratitude.  Explore the Volunteering Australia Shop for high-quality items thoughtfully designed to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers across the nation.

Past Events

  • 2025 International Volunteer Day

    Every Contribution Matters.

    5 December

    This theme celebrates the power of collective action and acknowledges that every act of volunteering, big or small, contributes to a stronger and more connected world.

    This year, 5 December marks an important moment. It is the official launch of International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY2026), a global initiative that highlights the crucial role of volunteering in achieving sustainable development.

    Key Messages

    These messages are here to support your celebrations, storytelling, and communication. Use these messages in your events, posts, media, and everyday conversations. The more we share, the more we strengthen the voice of volunteering across Australia.

    • Volunteerism is a driving force for sustainable development. The designation of 2026 as the International Volunteer Year underscores the vital role volunteers play in advancing the global goals. By fostering community engagement and collective action, volunteering contributes meaningfully to long-term development.

    • Valuing volunteers is vital There is a need to recognize and measure the contribution of all volunteers, whether they’re part of an organization or helping informally.

    • Everyone has a role to play in the International Volunteer Year 2026. Governments, UN entities, other regional and international organizations, academia, and civil society and private sector are invited to actively participate in the year by recognizing the value of volunteers, integrating volunteering into policies and plans, ensuring safe and fair volunteering environments, and promoting knowledge-sharing to develop new forms of volunteering.
    • The International Volunteer Year 2026 strengthens the connection between volunteering and global progress. It aims to deepen global understanding of volunteerism through research, information-sharing, and education and to address emerging challenges that new models of volunteering are facing.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oWeN58bPi2Q

    Resources