International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day – December 5

Volunteering WA proudly supports International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December 2025, to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.

International Volunteer Day commonly known as IVD is celebrated on 5 December every year. It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. It’s a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme joins IVD celebrations with UN Volunteers and all volunteers around the world – amplifying the importance of people-led solutions to our common challenges.

The 2025 theme has been announced as “Every Contribution Matters.” 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.