Journée du Bénévolat 2025;
Credit: Agence du Bénévolat
On Thursday 4 December 2025, on the eve of International Volunteer Day, a celebration of Luxembourg's volunteer community took place at the Centre Atert in Bertrange, in the presence of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie.
Hosted by the Agence du Bénévolat (Volunteer Agency) the event showcased the diversity and impact of volunteer engagement, showing how individual contributions can enrich the lives of others.
According to the Agence du Bénévolat, this year’s edition placed emphasis on volunteer involvement within the boards of associations. More than 350 guests from the non-profit sector, public institutions, and political circles attended the event and the presence of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie underscored the importance they attach to promoting and recognising volunteerism in Luxembourg.
Marc Thill, President of the Agence du Bénévolat, opened the festivities. In his welcome remarks, he emphasised the significance of volunteering for social cohesion and paid tribute to Luxembourg’s committed volunteers. He affirmed that society would need more empathy, understanding, mutual respect and active engagement in volunteering to build a better future. Mr Thill also expressed his gratitude to Their Royal Highnesses, as the Agence du Bénévolat operates under their patronage.
During the evening, the Grand Ducal couple presented the Merit Award to Jacqueline De Valentin-Bourg who, through her long-standing service as secretary on the boards of Mierscher Musek asbl and Dëschtennis Recken asbl, was recognised for her lasting contribution to the organisations.
Five associations received the Volunteer Quality Label, recognising high standards in supervising and supporting volunteers.
This year’s recipients were:
⁃ ALAN Maladies Rares Luxembourg asbl
⁃ MAREDOC asbl
⁃ Premier Secours de l’Ordre de Malte asbl
⁃ UP_Foundation – Project Tandem
⁃ ZithaMobil sa
Anne Goeres, founder of Philantree, highlighted in her speech that serving on an association board goes beyond organisational tasks. She stressed that board participation provides opportunities to take responsibility and actively contribute to the development of social cohesion.
The Journée du Bénévolat also marked the conclusion of the national campaign encouraging more people to participate on association boards. Five board members shared their experiences, which were showcased nationwide. Luxembourg’s Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, Max Hahn, honoured their contributions during the event.
The event received support from the Luxembourg Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, as well as from the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.
