World NGO Day was officially recognised and declared by the 12 member countries (Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway and Sweden) and first time marked by the rest of world, UN, EU leaders and international organisations in 2014 – hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
World NGO Day is an important annual marking point for NGOs to celebrate their achievements, as well as allowing small, grassroots organisations to gain the recognition they deserve.
The term “non-governmental organization” was created in Article 71 of the Charter of the newly formed United Nations in 1945. An NGO can be any kind of organization provided that it is independent from government influence and is not-for-profit.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) — also often referred to as Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Charitable organisations, membership organisations or the third sector — are non-profit, citizen-based groups that function independently of government.
In every country, there are numerous NGO entities, from larger organisations, professional associations and chambers of commerce to small local charities, grassroots organisations in every city or district representing a multitude of interests, sectors and activities.
Source: John Hopkins University, Center for Civil Society Studies
Expresso Morning Show, Cape Town
“On the 27th February, we commemorate the World NGO Day. As we were celebrating this day we mark the outstanding work done by the sector in protecting and respecting fundamental human rights. Marking this international day is important, more so as we acknowledge the role that the NGOs are playing in contributing to quality service delivery to communities and strengthening democratic governance.”
The universal concept of the World NGO Day is Celebrate, Commemorate and Collaborate – the various NGOs around the world, and the people behind them that contribute to society all year around.
World NGO Day can be marked through local, regional and international events and projects to celebrate NGOs’ vital activities and contribution to society.
Society can take an active part in celebrating World NGO Day which will help raise awareness of this sector.
Potential ways for NGOs and everyone to celebrate as part of World NGO Day include:
→ Cooperating with local schools/universities to run a simulated World NGO Day events for students and pupils to learn about issues at NGOs or opportunities, from local charities to international movements.
→ Organising activities to raise awareness, such as sharing messages with the community via online, TV, Radio, newsletters or local newspapers.
→ Hosting celebratory events to raise awareness and funds.
→ Organising an NGO “Exchange” event to swap goods and ideas with others. Showcasing the achievements of NGOs through events or awards.
World NGO Day provides an opportunity to honour and remember NGO founders, employees, volunteers, members and supporters.
There are vast numbers of individuals who have devoted themselves to the work of NGOs in many forms, from those who offer a few hours of their time to those who have sacrificed their lives for a cause they believe in.
World NGO Day is to inspire people to become more actively involved within NGO sector and encourage a greater symbiosis between NGOs and both the public and private sector.
