The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the Government of China, through the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchange (CICETE), signed a Framework Agreement in Beijing on 14 October 2026, marking a new step in their partnership and opening further opportunities for cooperation on volunteerism and sustainable development. The signing comes as UNV Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov visits China from 14 to 16 October for meetings with government representatives and partner organizations. Against the backdrop of the International Volunteer Year, the visit will explore how volunteer action can deepen solidarity and cooperation in addressing global development challenges.
“The cooperation between UNV and China began in 1981. The new agreement will continue to write a new chapter in the cooperation, playing the role of a bridge and link, and creating opportunities for more talents to participate in international volunteer services,” said Ai Yinfang, Deputy Director-General of CICETE.
The Agreement builds on longstanding collaboration between UNV and partners in China, providing a stronger foundation to deepen the partnership and expand cooperation into new areas.
“Through our partnership with China, volunteers are taking their skills across borders and contributing to sustainable development through the United Nations. International Volunteer Year may be drawing to a close, but its ambition should not. Its true legacy will be what we build from it: stronger South-South cooperation and more opportunities for people to serve,” said Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of UNV.
Following the signing, UNV convened its first Annual Dialogue with Partners in China, bringing together key institutions working across volunteerism, youth, development and international cooperation.
Participants included CICETE, the Chinese Young Volunteers Association, the Agency for Volunteer Service, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the United Nations Development Programme, the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People, the China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment, the Society Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Beijing Municipal Committee and the Beijing Volunteer Service Federation, as well as representatives of the CPPCC National Committee and its Foreign Affairs Committee.
Over the years, UNV has worked with partners in China to advance volunteerism, including through fully funded UN Volunteer assignments. This partnership continued to grow in 2026. Through the 2025–2026 cohort, 65 funded UN Volunteers serving in China and abroad joined 22 United Nations entities across 19 countries, bringing their skills and experience to the United Nations.
Looking ahead, UNV and its partners aim to build on this momentum by promoting South-South and Triangular Cooperation, strengthening volunteerism across the UN system, carrying forward the legacy of the International Volunteer Year, and expanding fully funded UN Volunteer assignments.