30 June 2010

Bonn, Germany: Since the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) in 2001, governments, the United Nations system, civil society partners and other stakeholders have increasingly recognized that volunteerism makes significant contributions to peace and development. The United Nations General Assembly specifically noted the importance of legislative and fiscal frameworks for the growth and development of volunteerism, and encouraged governments to enact such measures.

UNV commissioned this global research study to consider trends and lessons in the development of supportive volunteerism policies and legislation. An overall review was conducted in seven regions, complemented by country-specific case studies in each region. The study analyses considerations in drafting and implementing volunteerism laws and policies, and highlights the need to tailor them to specific local, national and regional contexts.

We were especially pleased to see that more than 70 laws or policies on volunteerism have in fact been adopted since the International Year of Volunteers in 2001 – a tremendously encouraging accomplishment.

As we mark the Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) in 2011, we wish to share the lessons in these pages with governments, UN, civil society and academic partners. We hope also to strengthen support for volunteerism and help realize its potential for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Achieving the MDGs by 2015 is a task for everyone, and voluntary action will be critical.

UNV is deeply grateful to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for funding this study, and thanks the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) for leading the research.

Read: Research Report: Laws and Policies Affecting Volunteerism since 2001

See also: Guidance Note: Drafting and Implementing Volunteerism Laws and Policies