Global Companies Back UN International Volunteer Year 2026
Global companies are showing strong support for the International Volunteer Year 2026, signalling a growing commitment from the private sector to promote volunteerism as a driver of sustainable development.
Businesses from sectors including automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, finance and energy are exploring ways to mobilise their platforms, communication channels and employee engagement programmes to increase participation in volunteer activities worldwide.
According to Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers, empowering employees to volunteer helps strengthen communities and societies. He noted that corporate participation is giving the global initiative renewed momentum.
Corporate volunteering has been gaining traction in recent years, with employee participation and the impact of volunteer programmes reaching record levels.
During a recent meeting between United Nations Volunteers and the Global Corporate Volunteer Council of the International Association for Volunteer Effort, business leaders described volunteering as a way for employees to find purpose while contributing to society beyond the workplace.
Christoph Selig, Vice President for Sustainability Communication and Programmes at DHL Group, said volunteering plays a key role in the company’s corporate culture. Through its GoPrograms initiative, employees participate in activities aimed at creating positive community impact while also strengthening personal and professional development.
The United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the International Volunteer Year 2026 through Resolution 78/127, encouraging governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector to strengthen support for volunteers and expand opportunities for people to engage in community service.
Nichole Cirillo, Executive Director of the International Association for Volunteer Effort, said the year offers companies a global platform to highlight volunteer initiatives and join a growing network of partners working to make volunteering more visible, valued and accessible.
Organisers say the initiative aims to recognise the vital role volunteers play in advancing sustainable development while encouraging innovative and inclusive approaches that enable more people to participate in volunteer action worldwide.
