World NGO Day was officially recognised by the IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum of the Council of the Baltic Sea States on the 17th April 2010, Lithuania. It was proposed by a Member of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum’s Committee, Director of Civic Alliance-Latvia – Mrs Pipike. The member countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum were Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway and Sweden.

To mark the exceptional and highly valuable work that the NGOs are doing, YUVA warmly supports the initiative of establishing an international World NGO Day. The calendar day can also serve as an opportunity to aim towards more capable and strong NGO sector and to ensuring that there is also an enabling working environment for these organisations in every part of the world. 

Awareness of the World NGO Day was increased through a Roundtable at the House of Commons and House of Lords, UK Parliament.

World NGO Day is an important annual marking point – for all NGOs to commemorate and celebrate their achievements, ensuring that also small grassroots organisations gain the recognition they deserve.

What is an NGO?

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.

Organising World NGO Day in Mauritius

→ A day for NGOs around the globe to share knowledge and experiences with one another.

→ An opportunity for education, enabling individuals worldwide to understand more clearly what NGOs are doing for society locally, nationally and internationally.

→ An international symbol that displays the efforts and achievements of all NGOs from all sectors.

→ An opportunity to inspire people to consider a career within the third sector.

→ An opportunity for individuals to learn more about the people behind NGOs.

→ An opportunity for NGOs to discuss the issues that affect their work, and form partnerships that can resolve a mutual problem.

What can Mauritius businesses do?

If you’re already involved in supporting an NGO, or you want to get started, here are some great ways to participate in World NGO Day 2019.

→ Educate, then spread the word. Make your customers and the community aware of the mission of your chosen NGO and the need for what it does. You can use social media, email, your website and public relations to spread the news about both the NGO you support and World NGO Day in general.
→ Solicit donations. Encourage your customers to donate to your chosen NGO. Make it fun: Give a percentage of your profits on February 27 to the organization to encourage your customers to buy from you, or offer a discount to every customer who gives X amount.
→ Get involved. Plan and host an event to raise awareness of what your NGO does and how members of the community can participate. You can get templates to help promote your event here
→ Donate. Make a donation to the NGO of your choice. You don’t have to donate money—in fact, donating goods or services can be more effective at raising awareness of your cause.

#WorldNGODay

Whatever approach you take, get attention for your activities by using the official hashtags of World NGO Day: #WorldNGODay, #YourNGODay and #NGODay.

5 tips to celebrate World NGO Day in Mauritius

→ #WorldNGODay – Spread the word.

→ 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.