Honouring the transformative power of volunteerism in advancing sustainable development and promoting inclusive communities, International Volunteer’s Day was celebrated at Changyul Park in Thimphu today. The day was marked with the theme, “Together We Act: Celebrating Volunteerism for a Better Future”.
International Volunteer Day is celebrated on 5th December every year. The Executive Coordinator for United Nations Volunteers, Toily Kurbanov, along with 3,000 DeSuup volunteers attended the event to celebrate their contributions and inspire engagement in building a sustainable future.
UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov said, “To stress and to recognize the volunteer’s role the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteer. This milestone is a chance to celebrate volunteers and magnify their contributions on the global stage.”
“The DeSuung programme is based on one concept, volunteerism. Several years ago, His Majesty The King started the DeSuung programme, specifically at the wish and appeal of our youth. Today we have almost fifty thousand members strong,” said Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
The Volunteers also held a cleaning drive in the morning.
DeSuup Tandin Dorji said, “I joined DeSuung as a volunteer in 2011, and since then, I have dedicated my time whenever needed, contributing to services required by the government and the public.”
DeSuup Prakash Ghalley said, “It has been six years since I started volunteering with DeSuung. Being here and celebrating the day, I feel very proud of being able to volunteer and serve the community, the country, and His Majesty the King.”
The Prime Minister’s Office, DeSuung, UN Volunteers, and UN Bhutan organized the event.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sangay Chezom