In his message on the International Day of Charity, 5 September 2015, Ban Ki-moon said charities play a crucial role in helping our society wherever public spending is lacking and they need support from the public now more than ever.
He said that the International Day of Charity 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. Upon receiving the prize, she famously gave the money that came with it to some of the poorest people in India.
"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," Ban added.
As recognized in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, Ban reiterated, the resources, knowledge and ingenuity of philanthropic and volunteer organizations will be invaluable partners in implementing the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
United Nations development and humanitarian agencies also rely on donations from the public as well as the generosity of governments to continue their lifesaving work in response to development challenges, natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies, UN Secretary-General said.
"On this International Day, I call on people everywhere to volunteer and act charitably in the face of human suffering."
Such expressions of solidarity help us in our shared quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful and sustainable future for all, he concluded.