International Volunteer Day on December 5

Every year on December 5, the International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated to recognise volunteers and volunteer organisations who are committed to inspire their communities and work towards global peace and sustainable development.

To celebrate IVD in Sri Lanka this year, a poster art exhibition "Volunteering for Water" and an award ceremony will be held on 5 December, 2012 at the Disaster Management Centre in Vidya Mawatha, Colombo.

The event will be graced by the presence of the Minister of Social Services, Felix Perera and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy among other distinguished guests.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in Sri Lanka recognises the need to place an emphasis on volunteering for water because the lack of sufficient and clean water can hinder the achievement of sustainable development.

Thus, UNV and the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) have focused on the thematic areas of 'volunteering' and 'water for sustainable development', for an islandwide poster art competition, culminating on IVD.

Over 1,700 artistic creations, were forwarded to the competition, from children, youth and adults, representing districts across the island. Participants have demonstrated great vigour and enthusiasm, giving inspiration and true meaning to volunteering for water. Out of these entries, the winners of each category (Junior: ages 6 to 10, Intermediate: ages 11 to 16, and Senior: ages 17 and above) will be awarded for their talent and artistry on 5 December 2012, while marking this year's IVD.