The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) celebrates International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 under the theme “Every contribution matters”, announcing two major milestones: The global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY) 2026, as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly through resolution 78/127; and the release of the 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR), which sets the tone for an initiative to recognize and advance volunteer contributions to sustainable development.
More than 2.1 billion volunteers worldwide act every month to foster solidarity and humanity. Their efforts are vital for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, responding to humanitarian emergencies, and building resilient communities. IVY 2026 calls on governments, United Nations entities, civil society, academia and the private sector to deepen global understanding of volunteerism, promote knowledge-sharing, and integrate volunteering into national development strategies.
“Over the next 12 months, I urge everyone, everywhere to volunteer for a cause that matters to you. In times of crisis and uncertainty, you can be the change you wish to see.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The official opening of IVY 2026 takes place on 5 December at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Germany, Kazakhstan and UNV. The event features high-level remarks by the President of the General Assembly, the co-hosts, a multi-stakeholder Global Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering, and the unveiling of the 2026 SWVR.
Around the world, events marking International Volunteer Day and the launch of the International Volunteer Year are taking place this week; from a running activity and parade in Bangkok, to the International Forum of Civil Participation in Moscow, celebrations in Nantong and Shanghai in China, a regional launch in Uzbekistan and Kenya’s national launch at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, among many others.
The International Volunteer Year 2026 invites everyone to play a role: governments, United Nations entities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Together, the world can create safe and inclusive volunteering environments, recognize contributions, and innovate new models of volunteer engagement.
For more details, visit International Volunteer Day 2025, International Volunteer Year 2026, and read the 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report.
Social media materials are available on UNV's Trello.
The opening event of the International Volunteer Year 2026 will be held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. To watch, please tune in to UN TV on 5 December 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM [EST].