International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development | World Soil Day

Background

International Volunteer Day (IVD) mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (5 December), more commonly referred to as International Volunteer Day (IVD), is an international observance mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and international levels.

Every year on December 5, the United Nations celebrates International Volunteer Day. Volunteer Day is celebrated on this day with various programs all over the world including the member countries.

Theme 2024:

The theme for International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development in 2024 is how volunteers contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The day is a tribute to volunteers around the world, and recognizes their contributions, whether onsite or online.

World Soil Day

 

Background
This day is held every year on the 5th of December to advocate for the importance of healthy soil across the globe. Sanatana philosophy addresses that "What came from the soil goes back as soil", this indicates the human life and creatures living on this planet are all the manifestations of soil. Soil is important for our living, agriculture, and the very existence of humans on this earth.

History:
No laboratory has ever been able to produce or invent soil, so soil is the pure and real form of creation. An international day to celebrate Soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness-raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

Theme 2024:
The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage". The theme highlights the importance of:

Accurate soil data to guide sustainable management practices

Monitoring soil characteristics to improve soil health and reduce erosion and pollution

The relationship between soil and water in the creation of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems

Best wishes on this day.

-Suyog Dhakal