Acting Charitably in The Face of Human Suffering | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

On the International Day of Charity on September 5, The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed to individuals in the world to volunteer and act charitably in the face of human suffering. He emphasized that the resources, knowledge and ingenuity of philanthropic and volunteer organizations will play pivotal roles in implementing the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This is the line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which overhaul global finance practices and generate investment to overcome a range of economic, social and environmental challenges.

“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,” the UN chief said in a message.

The International Day coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work to overcome poverty. The UN chief recalled that upon receiving the prize, she famously gave the money that came with it to some of the poorest people in India.

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