Kathmandu. Today is International Volunteer Day. World Soil Day is also today. Both these days are called by the United Nations and are celebrated every year by almost all of its member states. This day has been celebrated since 1985 with the aim of honoring the contribution of volunteers and promoting the spirit of volunteerism and service culture from local to national and international levels. The United Nations General Assembly declared this day to be celebrated in member countries as an international day on December 5 of the same year. 

On this occasion, in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York today, member states are expected to include volunteering in their development strategy and commit to conducting a national campaign, according to the United Nations.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers in a message on this occasion.

In the message, he mentioned that the sacrifice, courage and humanity of the volunteers who volunteered their time, energy and skills while facing challenges such as natural disasters, helping conflict-affected communities, and working on poverty alleviation have become a source of inspiration for the present world.

UN Volunteers are active in establishing peace, justice and equality in the 169 member countries of the UN.