On December 5 each year, the world pauses to recognise the selfless efforts of volunteers who devote their time, energy, and skills to making the world a better place.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development offers us a moment to reflect on the profound impact volunteers have on communities around the globe, and to honour their tireless commitment to creating a more compassionate, peaceful, and just world.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for this significant day, reminds us that, “The task of building a better world belongs to all people.”
This powerful statement calls on each of us to recognise our shared responsibility in shaping the future. Volunteering, in its many forms, offers a unique opportunity for individuals to directly contribute to the global efforts aimed at tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
A SHARED COMMITMENT
Volunteers come from all walks of life, but they share one common trait: a deep commitment to helping others.
Whether responding to the devastation of natural disasters, offering aid to those caught in conflict, or working to alleviate poverty, volunteers embody the very essence of humanity’s capacity for compassion and resilience. Their courage often shines brightest in the face of hardship, as they step into difficult and dangerous circumstances to lend a helping hand.
One of the most striking aspects of volunteering is the real and lasting difference it makes in the lives of those it touches.
From rebuilding homes in communities devastated by earthquakes to providing essential medical care in areas ravaged by war, volunteers give their time and energy without expectation of reward.
Yet, as their efforts unfold, the ripple effects are profound, uplifting entire communities and inspiring others to get involved.
These small acts of kindness, though sometimes seemingly inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, have the power to create change on a global scale.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, a cornerstone of the UN’s work, exemplifies the spirit of solidarity that drives volunteerism worldwide.
Across 169 countries, thousands of UN volunteers work on the front lines of humanitarian crises, development projects, and peacebuilding efforts, contributing to the UN’s broader mission of advancing peace, justice, and equality.
The impact of their work cannot be overstated. It is through their dedication and resilience that many communities are able to recover and rebuild after devastation.
UNV’s efforts are part of a much broader vision for the future – one encapsulated in the Pact of the Future, a landmark agreement adopted by the UN in September 2023.
Rooted in trust, cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility, the pact aims to address the systemic challenges the world faces, from poverty and inequality to climate change and conflict. Volunteers are at the heart of this vision, representing the very spirit of cooperation and solidarity that will drive us toward a better tomorrow.
RALLYING FOR GOOD
Brunei Darussalam’s volunteerism, amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a thriving movement that continues to inspire the nation.
What began as a response to an unprecedented crisis, with communities rallying to deliver food, essentials, and support, has evolved into a cornerstone of societal unity.
Key to this transformation is the Mengalinga app, launched in 2021, which streamlines volunteer engagement. In 2021 alone, it has connected over 3,700 volunteers and 140 organisations, facilitating nearly 430 events.
Its innovative features, such as leaderboards, awards, and redeemable points, have turned volunteering into a rewarding endeavour while fostering a culture of recognition.
This spirit was on full display during the International Volunteer Day 2024, celebrated with the Day of Action Campaign.
Held across all four districts on December 8, the campaign brought Bruneians together for a day of meaningful activities, from tree planting in Tutong District to skate park beautification in Belait District. The event also honoured standout volunteers, recognising their contributions with certificates.
In Temburong District, environmental campaigns blended with glamping under the stars, while in Brunei-Muara, youth-led mural projects and mosque clean-ups showcased community-driven change.
Side activities, including workshops on calligraphy and defensive driving, underscored the diversity of volunteerism’s impact.
With the Volunteer Activity Marathon ongoing until January 2025, featuring over 100 initiatives, Brunei continues to demonstrate the transformative power of collective action.
Whether through environmental care, artistic expression, or acts of kindness, the nation’s unwavering dedication to volunteerism proves that even small efforts can create waves of change, strengthening bonds across communities.
As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, we are reminded of the far-reaching importance of these global networks of kindness. Volunteers often work behind the scenes, in conditions that many may never witness, yet their contributions are foundational to the progress we make as a global community.
THE COURAGE TO CARE
As António Guterres highlights, the world faces many challenges, but the collective action of individuals who volunteer their time and energy is a powerful force for positive change.
The act of volunteering is not limited to large-scale humanitarian efforts. Every day, volunteers make a difference in smaller, often unnoticed ways – whether by supporting a local charity, helping out in their communities, or simply offering a listening ear to those in need.
The power of these actions should never be underestimated. – Izah Azahari