Updated February 22, 2023
World NGO Day or International NGO Day is celebrated on February 27 every year to honor the remarkable contributions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to society. NGOs work tirelessly to support communities, provide essential services, and promote social justice.
Over 89 countries across six continents celebrate World NGO Day. International NGO Day is held to recognize, honor, and celebrate all nonprofit and non-governmental organizations as well as the individuals who are a part of them and have made tremendous contributions to uplifting societies.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and significance of World NGO Day, as well as how NGOs are making a difference in the world today.
History of World NGO Day
A non-governmental organization, or NGO, is an organization established by a group of people that are not affiliated with any government and is usually founded with the goal of resolving social or political issues on a local, national, or international scale.
The IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum’s 12-member countries formally recognized World NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) Day on April 17, 2010, giving it official status. The day was officially adopted in 2012 by the forum’s Final Statement Resolution.
In 2014, February 27 was officially designated as International NGO Day, and it became an iconic day for the NGO community all around the world. An international calendar day, which is currently known as ‘World NGO Day,’ was inaugurated for the first time on this day.
First International NGO Day was formally held in 2014 by the UN, EU leaders, and international organizations. The worldwide inaugural event of International NGO day was organized in Helsinki, Finland, on February 27, 2014, by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Significance of World NGO Day
The non-governmental organization offers advantages to people and communities that might not otherwise be possible. They enhance local communities and the quality of life for local residents. NGOs provide various services, including crisis intervention, financial assistance, environmental research, and medical aid.
No matter the disaster, natural or artificial, the NGOs continue to support and care for those in need. NGOs expand through collaboration, innovation, and volunteerism. But NGOs also provide excellent employment and economic satisfaction for individuals.
Hence, International NGO Day has been established to recognize, honor, and celebrate all nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, cultivate awareness about NGOs, and encourage people across the globe who work in the sector for a good cause.
The Theme of World NGO Day 2023
Every year February 27 is observed with a different theme. The theme for World NGO Day 2021 was ‘Celebrate, Commemorate, Collaborate, Donate,’ though the theme for 2023 has yet to be announced. So, we will have to wait some moments for it.
How to Celebrate World NGO Day?
More than 89 nations get together to commemorate World NGO Day on February 27 each year. Pakistan is one of the nations which is organizing various events, workshops, webinars, and conferences each year to celebrate World NGO, Since 2014.
Every year, the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe organizes a high-level conference throughout Europe in honor of World NGO Day. The gathering of various stakeholders includes, among others, Permanent Representations of Council of Europe Member States and Civil Society Representatives.
On this day, share your experience, whether you are a member of an NGO or have benefited from one. Learn more about NGOs. Try to Join an NGO as a Volunteer that motivates you. Use #WorldNGODay2023 to share on social media.
World NGO Day Quotes, Messages, and Slogans
(I) “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali
(II) “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” – Plato
(III) “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
(IV) “The work of volunteers impacts all our lives, even if we are not aware of it.” – Anthony Worrall-Thompson
(V) “The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(VI) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
(VII) “An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.” – Lydia Maria Child
(VIII) “As one person, I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” – Paul Shane Spear
(IX) “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Frequently Asked Questions on International NGO Day
Ans: February 27 is NGO Day.
Ans: World Non-Governmental Organization Day.
Ans: The theme for 2023 has not been announced yet. So, we will have to wait some moments for it
Ans: The IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum’s 12-member countries formally recognized World NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) Day on April 17, 2010, giving it official status.