05 November 2010

Bratislava, Slovakia: With five years to go to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target date of 2015, the prospect of falling short of many of the goals is quite real, but not inevitable. While it is clear to many that volunteerism can play a crucial role in realizing these goals, it is equally apparent that a more focused and systematic study of the contribution of volunteerism to peace and development is required to provide measurable evidence of this contribution.

This study on the state of volunteerism in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States aims to do just that, by addressing the key questions of how volunteerism can help achieve the MDGs in the region, what are some of the key challenges it encounters and how its impact can be enhanced.

This publication, which is a summary of the main research study, is the first of its kind for the region, and provides new and powerful information on a unique history of volunteerism in this part of the world. By demonstrating the particular issues and nature of volunteerism in this vast region, it builds on the ever growing global knowledge in the field.

In the context of the forthcoming ten-year anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), UNV will publish a global State of the World Volunteerism Report in 2011 that will both inform on and advocate for the recognition of the role and contribution of volunteerism to peace and development.

This regional study represents a major input to this global report, and provides useful analysis, data and examples to foster the recognition of the positive impact of volunteerism in the region, so as to fully realise its potential.

You can download the full version (English or Russian) or a summary (English) of the report below.