Today, December 8, 2025, Dhaka University celebrated International Volunteer Day 2025 at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, highlighting the role of volunteers and youth leadership in advancing social development and climate resilience.

Experts from IRC, IPASS Bangladesh, British High Commission representatives, GIZ, Netherlands Embassy, ​​and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University came together for a high-level panel discussion titled “Starting Change: Youth Volunteerism and Climate Action, Every Contribution Matters.”

The discussion emphasized the importance of youth-led climate solutions, community mobilization, and volunteer-driven leadership.

International Volunteer Day is a UN-recognized global day dedicated to honoring volunteers and promoting civic engagement. The 2025 celebration in Bangladesh brought together government agencies, development organizations, youth platforms, and educational institutions to reinforce the message that every contribution matters and to recognize the essential role of volunteers in building a sustainable and equitable future.

This year's theme is 'Every Contribution Matters'. This theme highlights the idea that volunteers, through small and large actions, initiate collective action and inspire meaningful change.

The event was jointly organized by VSO Bangladesh, Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies (IDMVS), and National Youth Forum (NYF). GAIN, IPASS Bangladesh, and Islamic Relief participated in the event as development partners.

The program began with the national anthem, followed by the opening speech by VSO Bangladesh Country Director Khabirul Haque Kamal.

Secretary of the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management Md. Mostafizur Rahman was present as the chief guest at the event. The event was presided over by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan.

Also present as special guests were Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Country Director of the British Council Bangladesh Stephen Forbes, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Development Cooperation of the Embassy of Sweden; Nyoka Martinez-Backstrom.

Although Dr. Iliza Ajayi was unable to attend the event in person, she sent a congratulatory message, which was read out at the event.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the belief that volunteerism inspires others to get involved and encourages the building of climate-resilient, inclusive communities.

This reflects the core message of IVD 2025, that every contribution, whether small or large, makes an impact.

Several organizations were honored in the following categories for their outstanding youth contributions to society through awards presented at the event.

> Best Youth Volunteer Award 2025

> Best Divisional Youth Forum Award

> Youth-Led Climate Grant Winner

These recognitions honor leadership, climate advocacy, gender equality initiatives, and innovative social work.

At the event, National Youth Forum President Dr. Arman Hossain delivered the formal vote of thanks and the guest of honor, Sheikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, delivered the closing remarks, reaffirming the government's commitment to expanding youth and volunteer-led climate initiatives across Bangladesh.

After keynote speeches by national and international delegates, a group of NYF volunteers organized a delightful cultural program.

Representatives from various youth networks, international NGOs, civil society leaders, climate activists, and educational institutions also participated in the event.