"A powerful and cross-cutting means of implementation": Volunteerism as a global asset for peace and development

Volunteerism exists in all societies. It can be a critical resource for peace and development, yet not all governments systematically measure it to understand its role and contribution. To improve the evidence base, this chapter presents new estimates of volunteerism’s scale, scope and trends at a global level using data from United Nations Member States. The analysis reveals patterns in the types and distribution of voluntary work around the world and identifies key trends, including the influence of public policy, technology and investment. The analysis presented here is a starting point for better understanding the diverse manifestations of volunteering globally.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Partnerships for the Goals

Sustainable Cities and Communities