In December 2023, the UN General Assembly declared 2026 the International Year for Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This is an opportunity to emphasise the power of volunteering, encourage greater investment in volunteering, and secure commitments from governments and others to support volunteering and an enabling environment in which volunteering will flourish.

In preparation for IVY 2026 a group, led by the International Association for Volunteer Effort and Forum, IFRC, and UNICEF Generation Unlimited, was formed in early 2024 to drive global engagement in the co-creation of a call to action for volunteering.

Global challenges paper

This group has now collectively released a Global Challenges Paper. It frames a global dialogue in anticipation of  IVY 2026. It aims to encourage conversations about volunteering that will inform and inspire action, leading to greater recognition and investment in the field. It also highlights that Government, Corporate, Philanthropy and Civil Society all have a role to play in enabling the volunteering system.

Key Trends and Implications for the New Zealand context:

  • Adaptability and Innovation: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the ability of volunteer organisations, including grassroots efforts, to adapt and innovate rapidly. This is a crucial lesson for New Zealand, emphasising the need to support flexible volunteering models and rapid response capabilities within the volunteer sector.
  • Digital Divide: The pandemic underscored the importance of digital communication and the benefits of good digital systems to manage volunteers. It also exposed the digital divide. How could technology support volunteers and organisations in the volunteering system, or remove barriers to participation in volunteering?
  • Changing Volunteer Profiles: With shifts in volunteer demographics reflecting wider societal shifts how should we focus on engaging and supporting diverse age groups in volunteering, creating opportunities for youth leadership and intergenerational collaboration?
  • Barriers to participation: Advocacy for inclusivity has grown, emphasising the participation of marginalised groups. New Zealand needs to continue addressing biases related to race, class, gender, and identity within its volunteer sector, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
  • Valuing Volunteer Contributions: There’s a growing recognition of the importance of all forms of volunteering, including informal and community-based efforts. What can be done to value and support diverse volunteering models, recognising local knowledge and contributions.

Find out more on the Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering.