World NGO Day: Date, History, Significance And Other Things To Know

World NGO Day: Date, History, Significance And Other Things To Know

World NGO Day: Celebrating the Power of Non-Governmental Organizations

Date: World NGO Day is celebrated annually on February 27th.

History:

• Conception: The brainchild of Latvian-British philanthropist Marcis Skadmanis, the idea was formally proposed in 2010 by the 12 member countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum.
• Recognition: Officially declared in 2012, the first global celebration with UN, EU, and international organization participation occurred in 2014, hosted by Finland.

Significance:

• Celebrating Contributions: World NGO Day is a day to acknowledge and appreciate the vital role that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play in various aspects of society.
• Raising Awareness: It aims to increase public awareness about the diverse work NGOs do, addressing critical issues like:
  • Social justice
  • Human rights
  • Environmental protection
  • Sustainable development
  • Community development
• Collaboration and Engagement: The day encourages collaboration and engagement between NGOs, the public, and the private sector. It fosters a spirit of collective effort towards positive change.

Additional facts:

• Celebrated in over 89 countries across 6 continents.
• Serves as a platform for NGOs to share knowledge and experiences.
• Inspires individuals to get involved with NGOs that align with their values and interests.

World NGO Day is a reminder of the significant impact that non-governmental organizations have on shaping a better future for all.