International Day of Charity
Every year, on September 5, people all across the world celebrate the International Day of Charity.
Established by the United Nations in 2012, the day is all about highlighting the importance of giving and inspiring charitable actions across borders.
It offers a unified space for individuals, nonprofits, and philanthropic groups to champion kindness and generosity, whether it’s in their own backyard or reaching communities across the globe.
The chosen date commemorates the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who spent her life dedicated to the service of others.
The aim of the day is simple: to remind people that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.
History of International Day of Charity
There are two main threads in the story of how the International Day of Charity came to be. One begins in Hungary, the other with the legacy of Mother Teresa.
In 2011, a civil society initiative in Hungary, supported by the nation’s government and parliament, proposed the idea of dedicating a day to charity.
The goal was to increase awareness, public involvement, and social responsibility. With the success of the proposal, Hungary officially brought it to the United Nations.
On December 17, 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/67/105, officially recognizing September 5 as the International Day of Charity.
The resolution received strong support, 44 countries co-sponsored it, reflecting a global commitment to the value of giving.
September 5 was chosen in remembrance of Mother Teresa, who passed away on that day in 1997.
Known for her tireless work among the poor in Kolkata, India, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her efforts to alleviate poverty and distress.
The International Day of Charity honors her life’s mission and inspires others to follow in her footsteps.
The very first official UN commemoration took place on September 5, 2013, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
It was organized by the Permanent Mission of Hungary, along with partners like the UN Development Programme and the UN Foundation.
Notable speakers included Assistant Secretary-General Robert C. Orr, Kathy Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation, Hugh Evans, CEO of the Global Poverty Project
Panel discussions focused on the role of charity in poverty reduction and access to clean water.
Organizations like charity: water, WaterAid, and The Coca-Cola Foundation participated, highlighting how nonprofit sectors contribute to long-term development goals.
On the same day, countries across the globe hosted various events in honor of the day:
In Budapest, a mass, photo exhibition, and donation drive were organized by the Apostolic Nunciature in collaboration with the Albanian Embassy.
Meanwhile, in Qatar, the Red Crescent and The Ritz-Carlton Doha launched an initiative focused on helping Syrian children under the heartfelt theme “Bringing Back Their Joy.”
In another corner of Budapest, members of the Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness distributed hundreds of free vegetarian meals to those in need.
Hungary also hosted a charity concert, bringing people together to embrace the spirit of giving.
Each of these events reflected a common mission: to unite communities through acts of generosity and to shine a light on the enduring strength of compassion.
How to Participate
Celebrating the International Day of Charity is all about giving from the heart, in whatever way feels right to you.
While the day was established through formal diplomacy, the reasons people observe it now are deeply personal.
It’s about promoting kindness, compassion, and a spirit of generosity that reaches beyond borders.
Charity isn’t limited to financial donations. It includes acts of care, empathy, and service.
You can honor the day by donating to a cause close to your heart, volunteering your time at a local shelter or school, or organizing a fundraiser to support a nonprofit in your community.
Share stories of charitable work on social media, start an online fundraiser, or spark conversations with friends and family about the importance of giving back.
You might even begin a habit of kindness by doing one good deed a day.
While there may not always be an official theme for the day, people and communities are encouraged to align their actions with both global development goals and the needs of their own neighborhoods.
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