International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development Date in the current year: December 5, 2024

International Volunteer Day is celebrated to draw public attention to the work that volunteers do and their contribution to the achievement of special goals, called the Millennium Development Goals. Volunteers around the world make it possible to combat poverty, environmental degradation, illiteracy, hunger, diseases and discrimination against women. Thanks to their work numerous foundations, faith groups, media, sports and recreational organizations are often involved in the volunteering.

The United Nations Volunteers annually awards the Online Volunteering Award to recognize the contributions of online volunteers towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. This program also demonstrates the efficiency of the work that volunteers do.