Joint Message of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Today, on 5 December 2025, we wish to celebrate International Volunteer Day and officially launch the 2026 International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This day recognizes the vital contributions of volunteers worldwide, whose dedication advances sustainable development, strengthens communities, and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This year also marked the 80th anniversary of FAO, reflecting eight decades of global efforts to achieve food security, improve nutrition, and support resilient communities.
Over the years, UN Volunteers have contributed their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to FAO’s work, helping to translate strategic goals into meaningful local impact. In recognition of this milestone and our long-standing collaboration, a photobook, Legacy in Action: 80 years of volunteer impact with FAO, was released this year. Featuring testimonies from UN Volunteers who have served across FAO country and regional offices, the publication illustrates the transformative role of volunteers and the enduring value of our collaboration.
Building on this shared history, FAO and UNV have developed a Joint Action Plan to strengthen our collaboration and maximize the impact of volunteer engagement.
The plan identifies key priorities for the coming period, including:
Expanding the deployment of UN Volunteers across FAO’s global network, including country offices that have not previously hosted volunteers, in line with the principle of leaving no office behind.
Aligning volunteer expertise with FAO’s strategic priorities, supporting initiatives that advance sustainable agrifood systems, climate resilience, and emergency response.
Enhancing visibility and awareness of our collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation across headquarters, regional and subregional offices, and country offices.
FAO and UNV remain committed to deepening our collaboration and fostering volunteer engagement as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Together, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting volunteers as agents of positive change. Their commitment strengthens communities, enhances agrifood systems, and accelerates progress toward the 2030 Agenda, while also supporting FAO’s Strategic Framework, guided by the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
This year, 115 UN Volunteers are serving across FAO offices worldwide — an increase of almost 50 percent compared to a year ago — and the number continues to grow.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all UN Volunteers for their service and celebrate the enduring value of volunteerism in building a sustainable and inclusive world, leaving no one behind.
This joint message was issued on the occasion of IVD 2025 by Maurizio Martina, FAO Deputy Director-General and Toily Kurbanov, UNV Executive Coordinator.