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Voluntary Action and volunteer efforts discussed during the international volunteer day 2015

The World Agency for Volunteer Efforts (WAVE), a constituent unit of the World Institution Development Programme (WIDP) organized the 2015 International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on 5^th December 2015. Presenting his presidential address and remarks, the President Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi observed that voluntary action is an anticipated goal-orientated movement and is a part of cognitive psychology, philosophy, neurology, criminology, and many other fields. He also said that this term is associated with consciousness and will. Voluntary action works with action effect. Action effect is when an individual has learned to associate a particular action with a particular outcome. Thus, voluntary action is demonstrated when one cognitively identifies the desired outcome and pairs it with the action it will take to achieve it, he added.

He, while tracing the history of this day further added that the International Volunteer Day is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions at local, national and international levels.

He further added that the main focus of the International Volunteer Day should not only celebrate volunteerism in all its facets - but also pay special tribute to people's participation in making a difference locally, nationally and globally. He also further explained that this day  highlights the contribution of volunteers in engaging people from the grass-roots in decision-making processes, ultimately creating space for participation that leads to: stronger governance, social cohesion, peace and sustainable development.  

He remembered the Secretary General Bank Ki-moon who had said that founded on the values of solidarity and mutual trust, volunteerism transcends all cultural, linguistic and geographic boundaries. By giving their time and skills without expectation of material reward, volunteers themselves are uplifted by a singular sense of purpose.

International Volunteer Day is a chance for individual volunteers, communities and organizations to promote their contributions to development at the local, national and international levels. By combining UN support with a grassroots mandate, International Volunteer Day is a unique opportunity for people and volunteer-involving organizations to work with government agencies, non-profit institutions, community groups, academia and the private sector.

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development being observed by lighting the
traditional Indian Oil Lamp by the Senior Citizens of Paryavaran Complex under the leadership of
Dr. P R Trivedi on 5^th December 2015.

Dr. Trivedi thanked the United Nations for adopting the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development  through the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985. Through the years, International Volunteer Day has been used strategically: many countries have focused on volunteers’ contributions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, a set of time-bound targets to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women, Dr. Trivedi observed. The organization of International Volunteer Day is generally the result of a partnership between the UN system, governments, volunteer - involving organizations and committed individuals. Representatives from the media or academia, foundations, the private sector, faith groups, and sports and recreational organizations are often involved too.

Inviting the volunteers from all over the world, Dr. Trivedi said that the UNV Online Volunteering Service connects development organizations directly with online volunteers who can provide services and advice over the internet. Every year, UNV mobilizes more than 11,000 UN Online Volunteers who undertake more than 17,000 online volunteering assignments. 60 percent of online volunteers come from developing countries.