World NGO Day
World NGO Day is observed annually on February 27th and is an international day recognized by the European Union, celebrated across 89+ countries. It is a day dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and honoring the contributions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) / nonprofits and the vital work they do around the world. NGOs play a crucial role in areas such as humanitarian aid, environmental protection, health, education, and human rights, among others. The day aims to:
- Raise awareness about the work of NGOs and nonprofits.
- Encourage more people to engage with or join NGOs and nonprofits.
- Promote the importance of NGOs and nonprofits in addressing global challenges.
Established in 2010 by Marcis Skadmanis, the first official observance took place in 2014 in Helsinki, Finland.
World NGO Day serves as a global platform to acknowledge the tireless efforts of NGOs in shaping our world.
Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington, USA
On World NGO Day, we honour the remarkable dedication and resilience of workers in international development and humanitarian assistance.
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan,
Minister of International Development and
Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Global Impact
World NGO Day has grown into a significant international observance, celebrated in over 89 countries and recognized by more than 10 million NGOs worldwide. It highlights the efforts of approximately 50 million individuals who volunteer or work within these organizations.
The speech about Marcis' journey in founding World NGO Day:
World NGO Day 2024
Council of Europe
Date: February 27, 2024
Location: Strasbourg, France
Introduction –
Thank you very much for your kind introduction.
Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gerhard and his team for organizing this important event on the occasion of World NGO Day, as part of the 75th Anniversary of the Council of Europe. This year marks a significant milestone – the 10th anniversary of World NGO Day. This rapidly growing international day celebrates NGOs, nonprofits, and the individuals who lead, work, and volunteer for these vital organizations across diverse sectors, fields, and regions worldwide.
My Journey – 
Allow me to share my story, my journey, and how I created this International Day known as World NGO Day.
My journey began in Riga, Latvia, where I was raised in a working-class family with four siblings. As a child, I witnessed Latvia’s transformation from a nation reclaiming its independence from the Soviet Union to becoming a modern member of the European Union. During my school years, I was passionate about environmental projects in my city, which led me to establish my first NGO. Later, while studying law, I focused on researching international NGO regulation within Latvian law, due to the limited information available at that time.
An International Day for NGOs – 
At the age of 24, while preparing for my master’s dissertation, I woke up one night with a powerful idea: we need an international day for NGOs to raise awareness of their vital role, especially in countries with limited civil rights.
Lobbying – 
A few months after graduating in 2009, I permanently moved to London, UK. It was a difficult time, as the global financial crisis was at its peak, with many losing their jobs. As a young immigrant, I began lobbying for this international day with no financial backing, no famous supporters, and no resources—only passion and a dream. I knocked on doors, attended meetings, and shared my vision with everyone who would listen. Some were supportive, others not so much.
Gaining Initial Support – 
Eventually, I secured initial support when the Baltic Sea NGO Forum adopted a resolution calling for the celebration of this new day. But this wasn’t enough. Year after year, I continued lobbying for World NGO Day, with the help of a small group of volunteers. In 2013, we intensified our efforts, organizing events and high-level meetings with institutions such as the UK Parliament, UNESCO, and the British Embassy in Finland. Finland, in particular, played a crucial role, and we decided to host the inaugural forum for World NGO Day in Helsinki in 2014.
Personal Tragedy – 
2013 was one of the busiest and most exciting years of my life. However, four months before the inaugural World NGO Day, a personal tragedy struck. On November 21, 2013, my youngest sister Daina and my father Janis were among the 52 people killed in the Zolitūde shopping center roof collapse—the worst modern building disaster in New European history. My world turned upside down. I lost my sense of purpose and wanted to cancel the first World NGO Day. But a close friend reminded me, “We can’t cancel it; international leaders have confirmed their participation.” Despite my grief, I chose to proceed with the first World NGO Day on February 27th, 2014.
Moving Forward Despite Grief: The First World NGO Day – 
Addressing the distinguished guests that day was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, as I was still mourning my loss. Yet, I knew I had to carry on. After that day, I took time to reflect and reassess whether the world still needed World NGO Day. In the years following, something remarkable happened. Countries such as Mexico, Australia, Canada, India, Pakistan, and many others began recognizing this day. The European Commission, the Council of Europe, and senators from the USA also joined in celebrating this special day. Today, more than 10 million nonprofit organizations worldwide, along with over 50 million individuals, are recognized for their tireless contributions to society.
Reflection –
As I reflect on this 10-year journey, I’ve learned that if you have a dream, you must believe in it, nurture it, and never give up. Your dream is part of your destiny and purpose in life.
Acknowledgements –
I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who contributed to the development of this day. Today, on February 27th, it is marked and celebrated around the world.
Thank you!
