Welcome to the United Nations
Volunteer Groups’ thematic position paper to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2021
Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic through volunteering that promotes the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development
Volunteers are building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the Decade of Action and delivery for sustainable development. Volunteers, and support for their efforts, are essential to not only the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development but also the sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and volunteer groups are heartened by the growing acknowledgement of the role of the volunteers in the implementation of the Goals.
According to the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2018 produced by United Nations Volunteers, an estimated one billion volunteers make a difference on the issues that affect them and their communities, often in the most difficult of circumstances. As recognised by the synthesis report of the Secretary-General on the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda, the ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be realised without the ‘contributions of millions of properly supported and enabled volunteers’ and volunteer-driven organisations in both developing and developed countries. The transformative power of volunteering particularly contributes to the Decade of Action where properly championed.
Although a universal phenomenon, volunteering does not occur at uniform rates and effectiveness, but volunteering is strongest when it is recognised and supported. As was highlighted at the Global Technical Meeting (GTM) 2020, Member States and society have an opportunity to change their mindset to recognize the great diversity of volunteering practices around the globe and improve their recognition, support, and integration of volunteers’ contributions in wider development efforts, as volunteers make a true contribution to development on the community level. Volunteering can be a game-changer in the SDG Decade of Action.
Volunteers are helping build back better.
A 2020 survey by the Plan of Action Secretariat showed that more than 90% of respondents believe that volunteers contribute significantly to the SDGs, particularly in health and education. In terms of innovative visions and models of volunteering support, it is important to
- promote integrated rather than siloed approaches,
- collaborate across different sectors and levels, and
- effectively engage the public and private sector.
There is also a great need for digital infrastructure that enables people to collaborate and share knowledge, especially in times like these where they cannot meet easily or safely in person. The main outcome of the GTM2020 -- the Call to Action ‘Volunteering in the Decade of Action’ -- is the contribution by the global volunteering community to realizing the Decade of Action to accelerate progress on the SDGs. The Call to Action is a chance to think about what Member States and local communities can individually and collectively change to enable volunteering to be a transformative force for the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs by going further, going faster, and going together.
Thus, national and local governments, the United Nations system, the private sector, civil society, volunteer groups, and volunteers themselves have a role to play in creating and sustaining an enabling environment for volunteering. When these actions succeed, we unlock the power of volunteering and enable volunteers to help eradicate poverty and promote prosperity.
