The Volunteer’s Day is an opportunity for us all to promote volunteering, to encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the development of the society.

Volunteering provides opportunities for all people, particularly those often excluded, to change their lives and communities by volunteering their time and skills. Volunteering is a fundamental form of democracy, solidarity and social inclusion.

The International Volunteer Day on 5 December was designated by the UN in 1985 as an opportunity for volunteers and volunteer organisations to raise awareness and gain understanding for the role they play.

The act of volunteering exists in all cultures, languages and religions. Each year, hundreds of millions of people volunteer their time and skills to make the world a better place. When volunteering they help to improve the lives of others. When volunteering they gain a greater sense of belonging to their communities.

It is the time to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among communities, non-governmental organisations, government and local authorities and the business sector.

Well done and thank you, volunteers!