KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 5

International Volunteer Day (IVD) and World Soil Day, are being observed globally every year on December 5 at the call of the United Nations.

This year's IVD is themed "Every Contribution Matters" and coincides with the global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), following a UN General Assembly resolution recognising volunteers' role in accelerating progress toward the SDGs.

The UN said member states are expected to reaffirm their commitment to integrating volunteering into national development strategies.

In his message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed gratitude to volunteers for their courage, sacrifice and dedication, noting their contributions in disaster response, conflict-affected communities, poverty reduction, and social justice.

UN Volunteers are currently active in 169 countries.

World Soil Day is also being observed to raise awareness on the importance of healthy soil and sustainable soil management. Events worldwide are highlighting soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the need to address climate change impacts.