Volunteers' Contributions to Building Resilient Communities Appreciated on IVD

International Volunteer Day (IVD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. Since then, every year governments, the UN system and civil society organizations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on 5 December. According to the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), more than one billion people volunteer globally, which is equivalent to over 109 million full-time workers. Most volunteers work informally, with around 70 per cent of all volunteers working in their own communities helping the people around them, while 30 per cent volunteer through formal organizations. On IVD 2018, the government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the United Nations celebrated community volunteers who contribute to making their communities more resilient against natural disasters, economic stresses and political shocks.

The commemorations took place in Zanzibar and were coordinated by UNV in collaboration with 10 other volunteer organizations. The event took place at Mapinduzi Square and brought together more than 300 Volunteers. About 250 units of blood were donated to National Blood Bank which has been facing challenges to attract sufficient donors. The event was graced by Minister of Youth, Culture, Arts and Sports, Ambassador Ali Karume, and UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez.