With September 5 marking International Day of Charity, the UN has hailed the continuing work being done by charities throughout the world. It has also called on nations, organizations and society in general to commemorate the day by continuing their fight against poverty, disease and hunger wherever it is.

First introduced in 2013, September 5 was designated as the International Day of Charity by the UN to commemorate the work of the most famous charity worker of all, Mother Teresa, who died on that date in 1997.

At a time when poverty persists in all countries of the world, ‎regardless of their economic, social and cultural situation, the UN has reiterated the value of charity in the modern world in its contribution to promoting of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding ‎among people.‎

It has also reminded the member countries the need to encourage charity within their societies, through education and public awareness-raising activities, is key in maintaining existing charity work and funding future initiatives.

UN Secretary-General’s Message

Speaking on International Day of Charity, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pointed out that the occasion coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, and iconic figure in the fight against poverty and the values that charity stands for. On receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she famously gave the money awarded with the honour to some of the poorest people in India.

And at a time when Europe is experiencing a refugee crisis, he stressed how charities continue to play an essential role in the modern world, in working to overcome poverty, hunger and disease and to improve life for everyone across the world.

“At a time when the need for humanitarian assistance has never been higher, and when there are more refugees and displaced people than at any time since the end of the Second World War, charities play an increasingly vital role in meeting human need,” he said.

“As recognized in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the resources, knowledge and ingenuity of philanthropic and volunteer organizations will be invaluable partners in implementing the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

“United Nations development and humanitarian agencies also rely on donations from the public, as well as the generosity of governments to continue their lifesaving work in response to development challenges, natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies,” he continued.

“On this International Day, I call on people everywhere to volunteer and act charitably in the face of human suffering. Such expressions of solidarity help us in our shared quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful and sustainable future for all.”

UN Events

To mark International Day of Charity, the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the UN, in cooperation with UNDP and philanthropic organizations, has organized two panel discussions in New York.

The public events will discuss the development of new, innovative forms of charitable giving which are spreading around the world, and will explore how charity can become a formidable partner in realizing the future sustainable development goals.

For more information on the International Day of Charity, check out the UN website.

Image:Syrian children in Lebanon give the peace sign. Photo by Eoghan Rice. Taken from Trocaire (CC 2.0)