Volunteerism changes lives. But who invests in the volunteers?
That question sits at the heart of the International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026, a global effort to recognize volunteerism as a force for sustainable development. For the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), the answer is clear: support the people behind the impact. Building on years of collaboration, the two organizations are expanding learning opportunities for UN Volunteers to develop new skills, strengthen their careers through peer learning, and continue making a difference long after a single assignment ends.
On 14 July 2026, UN Volunteers serving with UNICEF came together from across the globe for the first Learning Townhall.
The idea was built around a simple question: what do volunteers need to grow, thrive and achieve even greater impact?
To find the answer, UNICEF and UNV conducted a global learning needs assessment among UN Volunteers. The results were clear. Volunteers wanted stronger opportunities for professional development, skill-building, career guidance and peer learning.
Those insights shaped a new joint learning calendar designed specifically for UN Volunteers serving with UNICEF, developed by the UNV Capacity Development Team and UNICEF's Integrated Talent Management team.
During the Townhall, Aiganym Utebayeva, Ekin Dolu and Sukru Agacdali from UNICEF, and Daniel Nagy and Zarina Mirabdullayeva from UNV, introduced a learning offer built around volunteers' needs and ambitions.
Through presentations, discussions and interactive activities, participants explored the shared values that connect UNICEF and UNV, while discovering new ways to invest in their own professional growth.
Among the opportunities on offer are Voices of Change, a storytelling series showcasing volunteer experiences from around the world; Career Journey Sessions, where former UN Volunteers, including professionals now serving in leadership roles, share how volunteerism shaped their careers; and You, We, Us, an interactive panel discussion series that highlights volunteers as experts on issues that matter across the UN system.
UN Volunteers will also have access to UNV's flagship Capacity Development Learning Facility, which provides structured learning, peer exchange and targeted professional development opportunities.
By investing in volunteer talent, UNV and UNICEF are doing more than offering training. They are helping volunteers strengthen their impact today while preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Because the future of volunteerism depends not only on recruiting talented people, but on helping them grow, lead and stay engaged for the long term.