Global momentum builds for IVY 2026

print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

Participants highlighted strong momentum across countries, including national launch events, early action planning, and active regional and global engagement. They also underscored the central role of national‑level initiatives and the importance of sustained collaboration. 

“We are developing an African perspective on volunteer data and strengthening our advocacy efforts, positioning Senegal as a capital of volunteerism in the Global South.” Seydina M. Ndiaye, IVY 2026 National Focal Point, Senegal. 

Executive Coordinator presents the UNV Strategic Framework to the Executive Board

print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers (UNV) presented the Strategic Framework 2026-2029 to the Executive Board in New York on 5 February 2026. The Executive Board consists of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

I thank you, Mr. Chair and the Associate Administrator, for the invitation to present the UNV Strategic Framework. Before I begin, I would like to request the Secretariat to introduce a short video for the delegates, please.

I thank the Secretariat, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates.

What you have just seen captures the essence of this Strategic Framework.

What measuring volunteerism really tells us about progress

Emiliya Asadova, UNV Policy Specialist
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

For more than two decades, development policy and practitioners have returned to the same unresolved question: how do we measure volunteering in ways that make it visible without losing sight of what it truly is? 

Working together with the team of researchers on the 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) “Volunteerism and its measurements”, as well as listening to governments, practitioners and volunteers around the world did not resolve that question for me. Instead, it sharpened my understanding of why it sits at the heart of broader debates on how we define progress. What is the value people create for each other and for society every day?

In line with the UN Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda, the discussion reflects growing efforts to complement Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with measures that better capture wellbeing, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Volunteerism sits squarely within that gap between what matters and what is measured. However, volunteering, mutual aid, and civic participation are largely absent from traditional economic metrics.

Preventing violent extremism before it starts

Peace . Security . Prevention of Violent Extremism
print pdf
Low quality, print optimized High quality, color print

Preventing violent extremism begins long before violence occurs. It means building trust, listening to communities, and ensuring young people and women can take part in decisions that affect their lives.

 

UN Volunteers help turn these principles into action by working directly with communities, local leaders and national institutions. They support mediation, peace education, early‑warning efforts and local initiatives that build trust and resilience. 

Subscribe to