Volunteerism as a vehicle for sustainable development
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development explicitly recognises volunteer groups as stakeholders to achieve the 17 SDGs.
Realizing Africa’s demographic dividends for Agenda 2063 through volunteerism
Africa needs a people-led development pathway that puts the role of youth at the core of the continental development agenda. Thus concluded the colorful side event jointly convened by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and the Africa Union Commission (AUC) on 26 August 2016 to head off the sixth Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD VI) held for the first time in Africa, in Nairobi from 27 to 28 August 2016.
Realizing Africa’s demographic dividends for Agenda 2063 through volunteerism
Africa needs a people-led development pathway that puts the role of youth at the core of the continental development agenda. Thus concluded the colorful side event jointly convened by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme and the Africa Union Commission (AUC) on 26 August 2016 to head off the sixth Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD VI) held for the first time in Africa, in Nairobi from 27 to 28 August 2016.
UNV Partnerships Forum 2016
The UNV Partnerships Forum 2016 was held in Bonn, Germany, on 13-14 October 2016. Organized by UNV in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the City of Bonn, this was the second edition of this event.
UNV Partnerships Forum 2016
The UNV Partnerships Forum 2016 was held in Bonn, Germany, on 13-14 October 2016. Organized by UNV in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the City of Bonn, this was the second edition of this event.
Releasing potential to boost sales
Women food cooperatives in the Lebanese region of Bekaa produce high quality natural jams, pickles, juice, and other Lebanese delights. While they have good manufacturing facilities and excellent products, marketing and sales continue to be a challenge. As part of UNV's Corporate/Private Sector programme, two experts from Kraft Foods went on a volunteer assignment to Lebanon to assist the cooperatives in boosting sales.
UNV commends Australian support towards volunteerism for peace and development
UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri is in Australia this week meeting with government and civil society representatives to share information about the unique contribution of volunteerism to peace and development and the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10).
When Formal Systems Falter
When a crisis strikes a city—whether a flood, an economic shock, or a public health emergency—the first people to act are rarely municipal agencies. They are neighbours rescuing neighbours, youth groups mapping evacuation routes, and community leaders organizing food distribution long before formal systems mobilize. In Accra’s low-lying neighbourhoods, volunteer groups clear drains ahead of seasonal floods to prevent homes from being inundated. In São Paulo, community kitchens sprang up during the pandemic to feed families cut off from income. These acts of solidarity reveal a powerful, often overlooked asset: the civic infrastructure that sustains cities when formal systems falter.
To build resilience, urban leaders must recognize residents as essential partners. The 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) offers guidance on strengthening this civic infrastructure. Here's my take.