The enduring strength of volunteerism: IVCO 2025 and the global drive to empower civil society
- Yuki Kimura
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In an era defined by mounting global challenges and shifting policy landscapes, volunteerism stands out as a powerful and adaptable force for change. The Annual Conference of International Volunteer Cooperation Organisations (IVCO), coordinated by the International Forum for Volunteering in Development (Forum), serves as a vital platform for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through international cooperation and knowledge exchange. With the 2025 edition set against the evocative backdrop of Cambodia’s ancient temples, the conference promises to delve into how volunteering can bolster civil society in increasingly complex contexts.
Strengthening civil society through volunteering
At the heart of IVCO 2025 lies a clear objective: to highlight and enhance the pivotal role of volunteers in sustaining democratic values, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development. Volunteers often act as first responders to crises, bridge-builders across cultural divides, and catalysts for social inclusion. As global civil society spaces shrink due to restrictive policies, volunteers continue to provide essential services, mediate conflict, and empower local voices.
Globally, over 1 billion people engage in volunteering each year, according to the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. In many regions, volunteers represent a critical 10–12% of the total workforce in civil society organisations, particularly where government institutions are under strain. This enduring participation demonstrates not only a strong civic spirit but also the sector’s vast potential in delivering long-term, community-driven change aligned with SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the goals.
From Cambodia to the world
The selection of Cambodia as the host country for IVCO 2025 is both symbolic and strategic. As a nation with a dynamic and evolving civil society, it exemplifies the importance of local context in international development work. The Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC), a key partner of this year’s event, works with nearly 200 NGOs to ensure good governance, democratic participation, and sustainability in civil society.
By collaborating with CCC, Forum reinforces its mission to support localised, culturally informed approaches to volunteering. This is a critical factor in ensuring long-term impact, particularly in regions grappling with socio-political challenges. As climate change, economic inequality, and political instability continue to disrupt societies, the localisation of volunteer support becomes ever more important for resilient communities, aligning closely with SDG 13 – Climate action and SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities.
Past learnings and future directions
Since its inception in 2001, IVCO has provided a forum for sharing best practices and innovative responses to the evolving landscape of volunteering in development. Past conferences have spotlighted themes such as youth engagement, technological innovation in volunteerism, and inclusion in humanitarian contexts. These insights have contributed to policy frameworks that enhance both the safety and effectiveness of international and local volunteers.
Looking ahead, IVCO 2025 aims to explore how new funding models, digital tools, and cross-sector alliances can strengthen civil society under pressure. It will provide space for academic inquiry, policy dialogue, and grassroots innovation, ensuring that the knowledge generated is both rigorous and actionable.
The role of the Global Society and international collaboration
Volunteering does not operate in isolation. It is embedded within a wider global society that includes governments, non-profits, academia, and the private sector. As development priorities evolve, so must the strategies that enable volunteers to contribute meaningfully. The Global Society—a collective of actors aligned with the SDGs—plays a crucial role in amplifying volunteer voices, scaling impact, and advocating for supportive environments.
Collaboration across borders remains vital. The IVCO conference stands as a beacon of global cooperation, where diverse perspectives converge to forge common goals. It embodies the principle of shared responsibility enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underscoring the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic issues.
A shared future powered by volunteerism
As the global community edges closer to 2030, the need for inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable development has never been more urgent. Volunteers are not only part of the solution—they are often the very foundation of collective resilience. IVCO 2025 offers a timely reminder of their importance, celebrating their contributions while seeking new pathways for support and innovation.
By investing in volunteer cooperation and strengthening civil society, the international community takes a decisive step towards a more equitable, sustainable future. It is through such global platforms that knowledge is shared, partnerships are forged, and enduring change begins.
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