World NGO Day: Celebrating NGOs' Global Impact and Vision

New Delhi, 26 Feb 2024 (VNI) World NGO Day is a momentous occasion dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. Celebrated annually on February 27, this day was officially proposed and recognized in 2010, with its declaration following in 2012. The United Nations, the European Union, and other international bodies marked the first official observance of World NGO Day in 2014, as noted on the event's official website. The visionary behind this initiative is Marcis Skadmanis, a philanthropist of Latvian-British descent.The 2024 theme for World NGO Day is "Fostering a Sustainable Future: The Impact of NGOs on Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

NGOs play a pivotal role in tackling global challenges, championing human rights, and promoting sustainable development. They act as vital agents for positive change, highlighting issues, advocating for justice, and mobilizing communities.

The history of World NGO Day dates back to its official proposal and recognition on April 17, 2010, during the Baltic Sea NGO Forum in Vilnius, Lithuania. This forum included 12 member countries: Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway, and Sweden. The inaugural global event for World NGO Day took place on February 27, 2014, in Helsinki, Finland, hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The significance of World NGO Day lies in acknowledging NGOs' roles in providing humanitarian aid, promoting social justice, and making significant contributions across various sectors. NGOs act as vigilant overseers, ensuring accountability among governments and corporations. Through advocacy, research, and awareness campaigns, they shed light on injustices, raise awareness, and mobilize communities for action.

The theme of World NGO Day revolves around celebrating, commemorating, and collaborating with the diverse NGOs and the individuals driving their impactful work. It serves as a platform to recognize the diversity and innovation within the sector, ranging from small grassroots organizations to large multinational entities. Each brings its unique approach, expertise, and perspective, enriching collective efforts towards positive social change. World NGO Day also aims to inspire greater public engagement with the NGO sector and foster stronger partnerships between NGOs, the public, and the private sector.