Kazakhstan's volunteer year initiative backed by 59 countries

September 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Fifty-nine countries are implementing national campaigns under the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information reported. Spain's national plan includes 172 events, while Cyprus has launched more than 300 volunteer initiatives since the start of the year. The initiative was proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and endorsed by the UN General Assembly.

Key Facts

59 countries are implementing national campaigns under IVY 2026, according to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information.
Spain's national plan for IVY 2026 includes 172 events, with a focus on digital volunteering, youth engagement, and corporate volunteering.
Cyprus has launched more than 300 volunteer initiatives since the beginning of the year, according to the country's government.
The V International Congress on corporate volunteering will be held in Spain in November as part of IVY 2026.
The number of volunteers in Kazakhstan has approached 300,000, as previously reported.

Global Adoption

The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) was proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The UN General Assembly's decision provided a platform for promoting volunteerism as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, 59 countries are implementing national campaigns under IVY 2026, according to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information.

Spain's National Campaign

Spain's national plan includes 172 events aimed at popularizing and supporting volunteerism. The plan prioritizes the development of digital volunteering, youth engagement, and corporate sector involvement. Spain is hosting the 'My Favorite Volunteer' contest and implementing volunteer training programs and digital volunteering projects. The V International Congress will take place in Spain in November, focusing on volunteerism as a tool for employee development, community building, and social initiatives.

Cyprus Initiatives

Cyprus has actively joined IVY 2026, launching more than 300 volunteer initiatives since the start of the year, according to the country's government. A significant portion of the projects targets schoolchildren, who independently develop and implement volunteer initiatives linked to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Examples include beach cleanups, environmental improvement, tree planting, charity fairs, collection of clothes, toys and books, support for the elderly, mental well-being projects, and campaigns supporting children with cancer.