World NGO Day 2025: Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future.
- AKM Jashim Uddin, Director, ADAB.
- ADAB
- February 27, 2025
- 12:00 pm
- No Comments
World NGO Day, observed annually on February 27th each year, has a brief but impactful history. World NGO Day stands as a global occasion devoted to acknowledging, celebrating, and honoring the non-governmental and nonprofit organizations that tirelessly contribute to society around the globe. At present celebrations in over 89 countries. But that is unfortunate that in Bangladesh the day is not observed as deserved.
The Story Behind World NGO Day:
The concept of World NGO Day originated from social entrepreneur Marcis Liors Skadmanis in 2009.
Recognizing the vital role of NGOs in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, he envisioned a dedicated day to celebrate their contributions. In the year 2010, the Baltic Sea NGO Forum formally proposed the establishment of World NGO Day. This proposal gathered support from various NGO communities, recognizing the need for greater awareness and recognition of their efforts. Finally, in 2014, World NGO Day was celebrated for the first time. The inaugural celebration occurred in 2014, hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The concept of World NGO Day originated from social entrepreneur Marcis Liors Skadmanis in 2009.
Recognizing the vital role of NGOs in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, he envisioned a dedicated day to celebrate their contributions. In the year 2010, the Baltic Sea NGO Forum formally proposed the establishment of World NGO Day. This proposal gathered support from various NGO communities, recognizing the need for greater awareness and recognition of their efforts. Finally, in 2014, World NGO Day was celebrated for the first time. The inaugural celebration occurred in 2014, hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Progression of the Themes:
Since its inception, World NGO Day has embraced various themes reflecting different aspects of NGO contributions. From "Leave No One Behind" in 2015 to “"Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals" in 2024”, each theme highlights the multifaceted work of NGOs. This year the theme of the day is “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future”.
Since its inception, World NGO Day has embraced various themes reflecting different aspects of NGO contributions. From "Leave No One Behind" in 2015 to “"Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals" in 2024”, each theme highlights the multifaceted work of NGOs. This year the theme of the day is “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future”.
Significance of World NGO Day:
World NGO Day has gained worldwide recognition, with NGOs, communities, governments, and individuals participating in events and campaigns. Social media amplifies its message, connecting people globally. The widespread engagement underscores the growing acknowledgement of NGOs' vital role in addressing challenges and driving positive change. The Day serves as a crucial stage for celebrating NGOs' impact and advocating for their continued support.
This day is anticipated to foster improved cooperation and coordination within the social development sector. It serves as a platform to amplify the collective voice of NGOs, reaching decision-makers and advocating for positive change. By promoting collaboration and communication, this occasion strengthens the bonds within the social development community, ultimately contributing to more effective strategies, shared resources, and a unified approach toward building a better, more sustainable future for all. Additionally, World NGO Day raises awareness of global issues, prompting people to act.
World NGO Day has gained worldwide recognition, with NGOs, communities, governments, and individuals participating in events and campaigns. Social media amplifies its message, connecting people globally. The widespread engagement underscores the growing acknowledgement of NGOs' vital role in addressing challenges and driving positive change. The Day serves as a crucial stage for celebrating NGOs' impact and advocating for their continued support.
This day is anticipated to foster improved cooperation and coordination within the social development sector. It serves as a platform to amplify the collective voice of NGOs, reaching decision-makers and advocating for positive change. By promoting collaboration and communication, this occasion strengthens the bonds within the social development community, ultimately contributing to more effective strategies, shared resources, and a unified approach toward building a better, more sustainable future for all. Additionally, World NGO Day raises awareness of global issues, prompting people to act.
Look back: NGOs in social development in Bangladesh
As we celebrate World NGO Day 2025 under the theme of “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future” let's zoom in on how Grassroots Movements, basically the community-based activities of NGOs in Bangladesh are playing a crucial role in various aspects of social development. NGOs are involved in all corners of society and country development. Here are only a few areas that may be explored on this very special day.
As we celebrate World NGO Day 2025 under the theme of “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future” let's zoom in on how Grassroots Movements, basically the community-based activities of NGOs in Bangladesh are playing a crucial role in various aspects of social development. NGOs are involved in all corners of society and country development. Here are only a few areas that may be explored on this very special day.
Awareness Raising: Empowering Communities
In Bangladesh, NGOs serve as dynamic agents, actively promoting awareness on various issues such as the environment, health, and social justice. Through strategic campaigns, workshops, and community events, these organizations strive to empower individuals with information, fostering an informed population that is capable of making positive choices for the betterment of their communities.
In Bangladesh, NGOs serve as dynamic agents, actively promoting awareness on various issues such as the environment, health, and social justice. Through strategic campaigns, workshops, and community events, these organizations strive to empower individuals with information, fostering an informed population that is capable of making positive choices for the betterment of their communities.
Upholding Human Rights: Voices for the Voiceless
NGOs in Bangladesh, passionately uphold human rights, tirelessly advocating for justice and equality. Their untiring commitment extends to protecting vulnerable populations, addressing discrimination, and combating social injustices. By providing legal aid, conducting awareness programs, and engaging in advocacy, these organizations become advocates for those whose voices might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that all individuals are heard and their rights are safeguarded.
NGOs in Bangladesh, passionately uphold human rights, tirelessly advocating for justice and equality. Their untiring commitment extends to protecting vulnerable populations, addressing discrimination, and combating social injustices. By providing legal aid, conducting awareness programs, and engaging in advocacy, these organizations become advocates for those whose voices might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that all individuals are heard and their rights are safeguarded.
Education: Lighting the Path to Knowledge
Within the sphere of education, NGOs in Bangladesh play a crucial role in facilitating access to essential education, particularly in remote regions. Their endeavors involve initiating Non-formal Education, and skill development programs. By placing a strong emphasis on education, these NGOs are not only putting the groundwork for a brighter future but also positively creating the capability of numerous individuals that lead them to empowerment and opportunities for growth.
Within the sphere of education, NGOs in Bangladesh play a crucial role in facilitating access to essential education, particularly in remote regions. Their endeavors involve initiating Non-formal Education, and skill development programs. By placing a strong emphasis on education, these NGOs are not only putting the groundwork for a brighter future but also positively creating the capability of numerous individuals that lead them to empowerment and opportunities for growth.
Health: Bridging Gaps for Better Well-being
At the forefront of health initiatives, NGOs are dedicated to enhancing healthcare accessibility and awareness in Bangladesh. Their impactful efforts range from organizing door-to-door health education, EPI to Child Health, ANC-PNC to Maternal health, and ORS supply to medical camps/clinics.
Through these initiatives, NGOs make significant contributions to improving health outcomes, particularly in rural areas. Their dedicated contributions empower communities with knowledge, essential services, and the means to lead healthier lives, promoting a positive impact on the overall well-being of individuals and families across the nation.
At the forefront of health initiatives, NGOs are dedicated to enhancing healthcare accessibility and awareness in Bangladesh. Their impactful efforts range from organizing door-to-door health education, EPI to Child Health, ANC-PNC to Maternal health, and ORS supply to medical camps/clinics.
Through these initiatives, NGOs make significant contributions to improving health outcomes, particularly in rural areas. Their dedicated contributions empower communities with knowledge, essential services, and the means to lead healthier lives, promoting a positive impact on the overall well-being of individuals and families across the nation.
Disaster Management: Responding with Swiftness and Compassion
Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters, and NGOs play a crucial role in disaster management. They are often the first responders, providing emergency relief, shelter, and rehabilitation. Their quick and effective response ensures communities can rebuild and recover in the aftermath of calamities.
Their community-oriented disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy not only boosts the resilience of vulnerable communities but also stands out as the most sensible model globally. In times of crisis, NGOs act promptly, delivering immediate relief and aiding in long-term recovery. By helping people get ready and working closely with local communities, NGOs are playing an essential role in making Bangladesh stronger and better prepared for disasters.
Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters, and NGOs play a crucial role in disaster management. They are often the first responders, providing emergency relief, shelter, and rehabilitation. Their quick and effective response ensures communities can rebuild and recover in the aftermath of calamities.
Their community-oriented disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy not only boosts the resilience of vulnerable communities but also stands out as the most sensible model globally. In times of crisis, NGOs act promptly, delivering immediate relief and aiding in long-term recovery. By helping people get ready and working closely with local communities, NGOs are playing an essential role in making Bangladesh stronger and better prepared for disasters.
Income Generation: Development of Sustainable Livelihoods
Through impactful initiatives in income generation, NGOs empower communities by implementing income-generating projects. Through microfinance programs, skill development training, and support for small businesses, they contribute to sustainable livelihoods, reducing poverty and promoting economic independence among marginalized groups. By focusing on income generation, NGOs uplift vulnerable groups, contribute to poverty alleviation, and promote self-sufficiency. These catalyzing efforts lead Bangladesh to positive changes, creating a more economically resilient and empowered society.
Through impactful initiatives in income generation, NGOs empower communities by implementing income-generating projects. Through microfinance programs, skill development training, and support for small businesses, they contribute to sustainable livelihoods, reducing poverty and promoting economic independence among marginalized groups. By focusing on income generation, NGOs uplift vulnerable groups, contribute to poverty alleviation, and promote self-sufficiency. These catalyzing efforts lead Bangladesh to positive changes, creating a more economically resilient and empowered society.
Governance: Strengthening Democratic Processes
NGOs actively engage in promoting good governance and strengthening democratic processes. They work towards transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. By advocating for fair policies and encouraging community involvement in decision-making, NGOs contribute to the overall development of a transparent and accountable governance system.
They (the NGOs) work to ensure citizen participation, uphold human rights, and address challenges in transparency and accountability. By actively engaging with democratic processes, NGOs in Bangladesh promote a more inclusive and responsive governance system. Their efforts empower communities to actively participate in decision-making, contributing to the development of a transparent, accountable, and democratic society.
NGOs actively engage in promoting good governance and strengthening democratic processes. They work towards transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. By advocating for fair policies and encouraging community involvement in decision-making, NGOs contribute to the overall development of a transparent and accountable governance system.
They (the NGOs) work to ensure citizen participation, uphold human rights, and address challenges in transparency and accountability. By actively engaging with democratic processes, NGOs in Bangladesh promote a more inclusive and responsive governance system. Their efforts empower communities to actively participate in decision-making, contributing to the development of a transparent, accountable, and democratic society.
Looking forward:
Nevertheless, Bangladesh stands as one of the pioneering nations that has introduced NGO activities as a driving force for social change. The country is widely acknowledged for its transformative impact through NGOs, particularly in the fields of Social Mobilization, Women Empowerment, Non-formal Education, Disaster Management, and income generation for underserved populations.
The Bangladeshi NGOs have successfully established replicable models for social development, setting benchmarks that resonate globally. The country has a long history of NGO involvement, and several organizations based in Bangladesh have achieved international admiration for their innovative approaches and successful initiatives. The development and success of microfinance institutions have also been initiated in Bangladesh and have been imitated in many parts of the world. However, in Bangladesh, World NGO Day is not celebrated with the excellence it deserves.
We earnestly appeal to the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations, and our esteemed Development partners to recognize the significance of this day and celebrate the day with desired appreciation. Support and acknowledgement would not only honor the efforts of NGOs but also amplify their impact, fostering a collective commitment to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. After the July uprise our expectations are now mounting and we hope that the Interim Government will be able to show the right way forward to make our dream true.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh stands as one of the pioneering nations that has introduced NGO activities as a driving force for social change. The country is widely acknowledged for its transformative impact through NGOs, particularly in the fields of Social Mobilization, Women Empowerment, Non-formal Education, Disaster Management, and income generation for underserved populations.
The Bangladeshi NGOs have successfully established replicable models for social development, setting benchmarks that resonate globally. The country has a long history of NGO involvement, and several organizations based in Bangladesh have achieved international admiration for their innovative approaches and successful initiatives. The development and success of microfinance institutions have also been initiated in Bangladesh and have been imitated in many parts of the world. However, in Bangladesh, World NGO Day is not celebrated with the excellence it deserves.
We earnestly appeal to the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations, and our esteemed Development partners to recognize the significance of this day and celebrate the day with desired appreciation. Support and acknowledgement would not only honor the efforts of NGOs but also amplify their impact, fostering a collective commitment to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. After the July uprise our expectations are now mounting and we hope that the Interim Government will be able to show the right way forward to make our dream true.
