On 5th December, International Year of the Volunteer for Sustainable Development 2026 (IVY 2026) was launched at the UN in New York. The designation of 2026 as the International Volunteer Year underscores the vital role volunteers play across the globe. By fostering community engagement and collective action, volunteering contributes meaningfully to our society, from local communities to international humanitarian efforts.
Volunteer Ireland has been named the national lead on IVY 2026 by the UN and will deliver a programme of activities together with other partners in the sector. IVY 2026 presents a unique opportunity to shine a light on Ireland’s incredible record of volunteering where over 1.1 million people give their time each year. Ireland is seen as a global leader in volunteering because we have relatively high levels of volunteering, a national volunteer development organisation in Volunteer Ireland, a network of local county-based Volunteer Centres, and a Government commitment to volunteering through a National Volunteering Strategy. With Ireland’s presidency of the EU falling during the second half of the year, it is the perfect time to showcase Ireland’s pedigree in volunteering.
According to Nina Arwitz, CEO, Volunteer Ireland “International Volunteer Year 2026 is an opportunity to not only celebrate our incredible culture of volunteering but to ensure it is valued across all levels of society. Volunteers aren’t just nice to have – they deliver critical services in our communities, foster social cohesion and ensure the most vulnerable aren’t left behind.
Organisations are increasingly struggling to recruit and retain volunteers and the way people want to volunteer is changing. Next year gives us a chance to bring a renewed focus to volunteering which will centre on creating more awareness, securing increased funding and ensuring volunteers are valued by the public and policy makers alike.”
The programme of activities will be launched in January 2026 and will be supported by a national committee that includes volunteers, volunteer managers, academics and Government officials.
About International Volunteer Year 2026
Through Resolution 78/127, the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), thereby promoting and recognising volunteerism as a significant force for sustainable development. The General Assembly calls on Member States, United Nations system organisations, and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector and academia, to observe the International Year at national and regional levels.
The International Volunteer Year 2026 invites us to celebrate and recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers everywhere. It’s a moment to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire even more people to get involved. For further information, visit: https://knowledge.unv.org/international-volunteer-year
