International Volunteer Day celebrated at DU

Du Correspondent

Bangladesh today celebrated International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka, highlighting the transformative role of volunteers and youth leaders in driving social development and climate resilience.

The event was jointly organized by VSO Bangladesh, the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies (IDMVS), Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Islamic Relief, and the National Youth Forum (NYF), and Ipas Bangladesh.

This year’s theme, “Every Contribution Matters,” illuminated how volunteers through both small and large acts, spark collective action and inspire meaningful change across communities.

The program began with the national anthem, followed by opening remarks from Khabirul Haque Kamal, Country Director of VSO Bangladesh. The event was honored by the presence of Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (Chief Guest), Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, PhD, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka (Chair of the Event), Md. Daud Miah ndc, Director General, NGO Affairs Bureau, Chief Advisor’s Office, Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Joint Secretary, Youth Wing, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Mr. Stephen Forbes, Country Director, British Council Bangladesh, Ms. Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström, First Secretary & Deputy Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden.
Although Dr. Iliza Azayei was unable to be physically present at the event; she sent a heartfelt goodwill message, which was read out during the program. The event also saw participation from youth networks, INGOs, civil society leaders, climate activists, and academia.

The celebration featured keynote remarks from national and international delegates, followed by a cultural performance presented by NYF volunteers.

A high-level panel discussion titled “The Spark of Change Youth Volunteerism and Climate Action: Every Contribution Matters” brought together experts from IRC, Ipas Bangladesh, British High Commission, GIZ, Embassy of the Netherlands, and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. The discussion emphasized youth-led climate solutions, community mobilization, and the importance of volunteer-driven leadership.

The ceremony honored exceptional youth contributions through: Best Youth Volunteers of 2025 Awards, Best Divisional Youth Forum Awards Youth-led Climate Action Grant Winners.

These recognitions celebrated leadership, climate advocacy, gender justice initiatives, and innovative community action.
Throughout the program, speakers stressed the belief that volunteerism sparks inspiration, motivating others to engage and build climate-resilient, inclusive communities. This reflects the core message of IVD 2025, every contribution, big or small, creates impact.

The guest of honor of the event, Sheikh Mohammad Jobaed Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, delivered the closing address, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding youth and volunteer-led climate initiatives across Bangladesh.
A formal vote of thanks was offered by Dr. Arman Hossain, President of the National Youth Forum.

International Volunteer Day is an UN-recognized global observance dedicated to honoring volunteers and promoting civic engagement. The Bangladesh celebration in 2025 brought together government leaders, development agencies, youth platforms, and academic institutions to amplify the message that “Every Contribution Matters” and to recognize the vital role of volunteers in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.