International Day of Charity
Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.
The International Day of Charity is celebrated annually every 5th of September. It was declared officially by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. This day is the selected date as it commemorates the anniversary of the passing away of Saint Teresa, who worked tirelessly to overcome poverty, distress, and suffering of the poorest in the world.
International Day of Charity serves to enhance and increase social responsibility amongst us all, solidarity and to increase the public’s support for charitable causes. This day is a great opportunity to raise awareness and provide a platform for charity events to take place on a global scale. Poverty exists in every country around the globe, from powerful industrial nations to developing countries. It continues to affect millions of people, regardless of their social and cultural situations, and is a barrier to true prosperity and equality.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in the Agenda can be grouped into six critical areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. They have the potential to transform our lives and our planet by providing the framework needed for philanthropic institutions to enable all people to contribute to the betterment of our world.
In the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the United Nations recognises that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, are the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. It also acknowledges the role of the diverse private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations in the implementation of the new Agenda.
At the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), we deem that while many good things have been accomplished and great effort is being achieved, a better deed can still be done to help the needy in our society. We stand as the voice for young people as we believe that the responsibility of charity should be seen as one of the major tools in determining the ideal personality of the future generation who ought to be full of compassion and embrace the beauty of humanity.
On this International Day of Charity, we call on young people everywhere to volunteer and act generously in the senses of kindness, solidarity, and love. Without love and togetherness, the charity will be a meaningless effort and an unsung anthem. Today, we turn to the youth and task them with the honorable duty of bringing more awareness to humanity amongst both the young and the old.
Happy International Day of Charity!