The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Volunteer Year

International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 is a global call to recognise and elevate volunteerism as a driving force for sustainable development.

IVY 2026 invites governments, organisations and communities to champion volunteerism in all its forms. This includes formal and informal volunteering, local and cross-border initiatives, and people-led solutions that strengthen societies during both crises and periods of stability.

Volunteers at the Heart of Sustainable Development

Volunteerism is essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Volunteers support health systems, respond to emergencies, protect the environment and help build more inclusive and resilient communities. As the UN Volunteers programme highlights, International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a moment to recognise how volunteers bring compassion, solidarity and innovation to development efforts. The 2025 campaign theme Every Contribution Matters reflects this vision and sets the stage for the coming year of global engagement.

Measuring What Volunteers Contribute

A central message of IVY 2026 is the need to better value and measure volunteer contributions. Understanding the scale and impact of both formal and informal volunteering is essential for strengthening national policies, planning effective programmes and ensuring volunteers receive the recognition they deserve.

A Renewed Commitment to Partnerships

The history of IVD shows the power of collective action. Over the years, the observance has become a platform that brings together governments, the UN system, civil society, academia, youth groups and the private sector. These partnerships help integrate volunteerism into national development strategies and accelerate progress toward shared goals. 

As IVY 2026 begins, the UN is calling on all partners to expand opportunities for volunteers and invest in the enabling environments that allow volunteerism to flourish. The coming year aims to inspire millions to turn their time, skills and energy into meaningful action for people and planet.

Access the UN Knowledge Portal for IVY 2026 here.

• Source: United Nations