The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (International Volunteer Year – IVY 2026). The initiative highlights the key role of volunteering in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in addressing the global, national, and local challenges of the modern world.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) is a global framework adopted by the United Nations in 2015 that sets out a shared vision for development until 2030. It focuses on 17 sustainable development goals aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, reducing inequality, and ensuring a peaceful, just, and inclusive society, based on the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
Volunteering is recognized as an important mechanism for translating global sustainable development goals into concrete actions in communities. The International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development 2026 emphasizes that without the active role of volunteers and volunteer organizations, the 2030 Agenda cannot be achieved. At the same time, this year represents an opportunity to further establish volunteering as a fundamental social force that connects people, strengthens solidarity, promotes active citizenship, and contributes to inclusive and equitable development.
Key importance of IVY 2026
Volunteers and volunteer organizations around the world:
- contribute to reducing inequality;
- strengthen communities’ resilience to crises (climate, social, humanitarian);
- promote participation, democracy, and social cohesion;
- bring innovative solutions for sustainable development at the local and global levels.
The International Year of Volunteering 2026 aims to give visibility to this work, while strengthening the support systems, policies, and partnerships that enable and develop volunteering.
Key interrelated goals of IVY 2026
- Recognize and value the contribution of volunteers to sustainable development.
Volunteering must be systematically recognized, valued, and integrated into public policies and development strategies, not only symbolically but also structurally.
- Promote safe and quality volunteering that excludes no one.
Volunteering needs a supportive environment, as it is not always self-evident or cost-free. Ensuring the safety, rights, dignity, and well-being of volunteers is crucial.
- Strengthen cooperation between public institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.
Together with other volunteer organizations in Slovenia, we invite you to:
- take a look at the 17 sustainable development goals and consider which ones you are successfully addressing (with the help of volunteers) within the framework of your organization’s work;
- share news about the International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development on your networks and thus contribute to raising awareness of the importance of volunteering (the United Nations has prepared logos, graphic materials, and key messages in English, which you can download for free – here;
- consider how you can use the year to strengthen the reputation of volunteering, engage in dialogue with local decision-makers, and attract new volunteers.
Sources used:
- https://poznavalec.si/svet/mednarodno-leto-prostovoljstva-za-trajnostni-razvoj-2026/
- https://www.prostovoljstvo.org/novice/mednarodno-leto-prostovoljstva-za-trajnostni-razvoj-2026-ivy-2026
- https://www.unv.org/recognition-volunteerism-ivy-2026
- https://knowledge.unv.org/international-volunteer-year
- https://trello.com/b/MnFNvURi/international-volunteer-year-2026
