International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) | Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Entwicklungsdienste e.V.

International Volunteer Year 2026

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026). The goal is to highlight and strengthen the important role of volunteerism in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Volunteer engagement in the field of sustainability should become more visible and receive greater social recognition.

At the same time, people should be motivated to volunteer. Governments, organizations, and communities around the world are called upon to create suitable conditions and actively support volunteer engagement as a significant contribution to sustainable development.

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Sandra Koch (UNV) “Climate action is one of the fastest-growing areas in volunteering”

The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). Coordination is being led by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in Bonn. AGdD Executive Director Gabi Waibel spoke with Sandra Koch, who heads the IVY Secretariat at UNV, about the role of volunteering in international cooperation and the need to strengthen structures and secure funding.

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