December 5th of this year marks the 40th International Volunteer Day. 2025 Nanjing International Volunteers Service Exchange and Development Initiative was held in Nanjing on Dec. 5. Over 150 individuals from various  sectors both home and abroad conveyed the volunteering spirit of "dedication, friendship, mutual assistance, and progress" through speeches, exchanges and initiative announcements.

A group of Chinese volunteers shared their experience and personal achievements at the event. Jiang Meng, Vice President and Secretary General of Nanjing Yangtze Finless Porpoise Aquatic Life Conservation Association, has been working with his team for years to protect the "smiling angels" of the Yangtze River, the finless porpoises, and has shared Nanjing's aquatic ecological governance experience with multiple countries. Song Xueqing, a graduate student from the School of Journalism and Communication at Nanjing University, has participated in volunteer services for international events for many times, telling China's stories to the world with youth vigor. Guo Wei, Captain of the Nanjing Blue Leopard Rescue Team, once led his team to the earthquake-stricken areas in Syria, contributing China's humanitarian rescue strength. Jiang Yuan, consultant of Obstetrics Gynecology Department at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, participated in the 18th Jiangsu Province Medical Team to Guyana, helping the needs with great compassion and professional skills.

Many international friends in Nanjing have also spared no efforts to promote the city's image to the world. Ali Fathy from Egypt shared his experience of telling the world the historical truth of Nanjing Massacre and conveying a vision for peace. Pakistani international student Ali Qadir shared heartwarming stories of his team of over 500 volunteers from more than 60 countries, who have been quite active in areas such as aiding the disabled, educational support, and cultural integration.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the "Image of Nanjing International Volunteer Service" and the first list of "Nanjing International Volunteer Practice Stations." The international volunteer service project, "Window of Nanjing: Discovering Sister Cities" Project, was officially launched. Volunteer representatives jointly issued The Nanjing Initiative, calling for more people to join the ranks of volunteer service.