Globally, there is lack of availability of data that captures the unique contributions made by volunteering, including the impact and scale it has. This makes it harder at national levels to make the case for integrating volunteering into broader strategies.

Volunteering could have a far bigger impact if its full potential was supported by structures, systems and partnerships that recognize and flexibly respond to its complex, shifting characteristics and holistic contributions. Knowledge and data presented below offers insights for policymakers and development practitioners on the evolving nature of volunteering for the Decade of Action and calls for more integration of diverse forms of volunteering into national, regional and global development strategies and plans.

Volunteerism is a powerful force, and an important part of the fabric of society. Globally, it remains an important vehicle for shaping and advancing development. Its potential to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development that delivers to all is, however, yet to be realized. As countries and regions grapple with enormous challenges, one thing is clear: no single stakeholder, entity or sector can address these challenges alone. Now more than ever, partnerships are vitally important. The fourth State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) report, titled Building Equal and Inclusive Societies, shows that the ways in which volunteers and state authorities interact, collaborate and partner are vital for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.