International Day of Charity 2026 – September 5

Key facts

• International Day of Charity 2026 is observed on September 5.
• The date marks the death anniversary of Mother Teresa, who died on September 5, 1997.
• It is a United Nations observance that highlights the role of charitable organisations, volunteers and individuals in addressing humanitarian suffering and poverty.
• The United Nations General Assembly designated September 5 as International Day of Charity in 2012 through Resolution 67/105.
• The first observance took place in 2013.
• Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910.
• She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta in 1950.
• She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
• She died in Kolkata on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87.
• Mother Teresa spent more than 45 years working with poor, sick, orphaned and dying people and helped guide the expansion of the Missionaries of Charity from India to other countries.
• International Day of Charity focuses on charity, philanthropy and volunteerism, while World Humanitarian Day is observed on August 19 and recognises humanitarian workers and people affected by humanitarian crises.
• The UN describes charity broadly, including volunteering, philanthropy and acts of caring and kindness.