International Volunteer Day is an occasion for individual volunteers, communities and organisations to promote their local, national and international contributions to development. International Volunteer Day is a unique opportunity for individuals and volunteer-involving organisations to collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organisations, community groups, academics and the private sector by integrating UN support with a grassroots mandate.

On 17 December 1985, the Universal Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations by Resolution A/RES/40/212. Governments, the United Nations system and civil society organisations have since successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the 5 December Day.