TEHRAN - The International Day of Charity is held annually on September 5 with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.

The date was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace."

Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies.

Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, and supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection.

It assists in the advancement of culture, science, and sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.

In the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015, the United Nations recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.

The Agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.

It also acknowledges the role of the diverse private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations in the implementation of the new Agenda.

Feast of charity in Iran

Jashn-e Nikoukari (feast of charity) is held each year to help financially struggling families address their essential needs.

The event opens annually a few days before the Iranian New Year, which starts usually on March 21, and lasts for three days soliciting contributions to help those underprivileged who can barely afford a living.

The event also aims to encourage humanitarian efforts and altruistic behaviors among the public.

Many people refer to schools and mosques to provide deprived families with cash handouts, commodities, or clothes. Some 8,000 charities also contribute to holding the feast of charity.

Such charity events would certainly encourage altruistic behaviors and generosity in society. Particularly encouraging the youngsters to practice giving even though this brings no advantage to them would result in bringing up a caring generation.