In a world facing interconnected social, environmental and humanitarian challenges, volunteerism remains one of the most powerful forces for solidarity, resilience and sustainable change. With this understanding, the United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 78/127, has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, widely referred to as International Volunteer Year - IVY 2026.
IVY 2026 is a global call to governments, organisations, civil society, communities and individuals to recognise, support and strengthen volunteerism in all its forms, formal and informal, local and global. The International Volunteer Year launched officially on 5 December 2025, on International Volunteer Day, and will be observed throughout 2026 at national, regional and international levels.
“From the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn't make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights. Including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard.”
- UNICEF, 2025
