IVD 2021 in Europe & the CIS: Innovation, exchange and youth volunteerism

Across Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, people gathered to celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2021 with vibrant events and advocacy campaigns. From Ukraine and Kosovo* (as per UN SC 1244) to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, partners, volunteers, academics and celebrities came together to exchange experiences and recognize the contributions of volunteers and power of volunteerism. Here are some highlights of events organized in collaboration with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

In Ukraine, events to mark IVD kicked off on 5 December, with a workshop on Innovations for long-term volunteering. The development of volunteerism for youth was the topic of discussion at a major online event held on 7 December, hosted with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and facilitated by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

From volunteer awards to legislation: marking IVD in Central Asia

As the volunteer movement continues to grow in Central Asia, celebrations for International Volunteer Day (IVD) are becoming more prominent and festive. In 2021, IVD was celebrated through online, live and hybrid events in the region to recognize the contribution of volunteers.

In Kazakhstan, under the leadership of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, volunteer organizations gathered for the International Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony in Pavlodar on 3 December. 

UNV held a panel on International Volunteerism, featuring volunteers serving in Azerbaijan, Jordan, Russia and Turkey.