Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are celebrated on February 27th as part of World NGO Day. By promoting human rights, advancing sustainable development, providing humanitarian aid, and advocating for marginalized communities, NGOs address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
World NGO Day: History
The Baltic Sea NGO Forum of the Council of the Baltic Sea States established World NGO Day on April 27, 2010. A number of countries are members of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway, and Sweden. The NGO day was adopted two years later by the forum’s Final Statement Resolution.
It wasn’t until 2014 that the UN, EU leaders, and other international organizations began formally observing World NGO Day. In Helsinki, Finland, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs sponsored the World NGO Day Global Inaugural event on February 27, 2014. It was first observed on February 27 and is now observed in 89 countries.
World NGO Day: Significance
World NGO Day 2023 will celebrate the contributions of NGOs and recognize the challenges they face in fulfilling their missions. In addition to highlighting the achievements of NGOs, the day encourages people to donate, volunteer, and advocate for them.
In order to achieve shared goals, NGOs, governments, and other stakeholders should collaborate and cooperate. As a result of partnerships and collective action, NGOs can amplify their impact and create positive change in communities around the world. We celebrate World NGO Day 2023 and reaffirm our commitment to working together to build a better future for all NGOs.