Article Details

International Volunteer Day: celebrating civic engagement

International Volunteer Day: celebrating civic engagement Every year on 5 December, the whole world celebrates International Volunteer Day (IVD). Established by the United Nations in 1985, this day aims to recognise and highlight the vital role of volunteers in society. It is also an opportunity to promote volunteering and to encourage everyone to get involved for the common good. Volunteering is a powerful expression of human solidarity. Whether supporting vulnerable communities, promoting education, protecting the environment or taking part in humanitarian efforts, volunteers work across many fields to build a fairer and more sustainable world. According to the United Nations, millions of volunteers around the world devote their time, skills and energy to a wide range of causes. Their contribution, whilst sometimes unobtrusive, is essential in tackling local and global challenges, such as climate change, humanitarian crises and social inequalities. Each year, the International Day of Volunteers centres on a specific theme. In 2024, the theme is: ‘Strengthening local action through volunteering’. This theme highlights the importance of local initiatives and their global impact, emphasising the role of volunteers in transforming communities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ECOWAS, through its Volunteer Programme – officially launched on 26 March 2010 – gives young people the opportunity to play a full part in realising Vision 2050, which aims to consolidate peace and prosperity for all. Since the launch of the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, more than 217 volunteers have already been deployed in the field, and the positive results demonstrate the importance of young people and their commitment to playing a constructive role in the region’s future. ECOWAS volunteers contribute to peace-building, conflict prevention, education and improving the well-being of communities.