GENEVA—Communities around the world are expanding volunteer campaigns, donation drives and local partnerships to support people affected by conflicts, natural disasters and economic hardship, as humanitarian organizations encourage sustained public engagement during the United Nations' International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
Local organizations, schools, faith groups and volunteer networks have organized fundraising events, collection campaigns and community outreach initiatives in recent weeks, complementing assistance delivered by established humanitarian agencies. The efforts are aimed at supporting communities affected by crises in regions including Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and Venezuela, according to humanitarian organizations and volunteer networks.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has highlighted community-based volunteerism as a central element of humanitarian response throughout 2026, describing local volunteers as essential in delivering emergency assistance, health services and recovery support. The organization said its International Volunteer Year activities are intended to recognize volunteers while strengthening protection and support for those serving in crisis-affected communities.
The United Nations General Assembly designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, calling on governments, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to promote volunteerism and strengthen partnerships supporting sustainable development and humanitarian action.
Volunteer organizations have also reported increased cross-border cooperation following recent emergencies. The World Organization of the Scout Movement said national Scout organizations established fundraising campaigns, collection points and volunteer mobilization efforts after powerful earthquakes in Venezuela, with support coordinated across multiple countries. The organization said its account was based on information from participating Scout associations and official updates from Venezuelan authorities and the World Health Organization.
Separately, GlobalGiving launched its annual July fundraising campaign, offering matching funds for eligible donations supporting locally led projects in areas including emergency response, health, education and disaster recovery. The nonprofit said participating organizations are raising money for thousands of community initiatives worldwide, including projects assisting people affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Humanitarian agencies continue to stress that community initiatives complement, rather than replace, coordinated relief operations. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has said community engagement remains an important component of protection and assistance programmes for displaced populations, while emphasizing the need for sustained international funding to meet growing humanitarian needs.
Organizers say many volunteer campaigns and fundraising initiatives will continue through the coming weeks as communities coordinate with humanitarian organizations and local partners to deliver assistance to affected populations.
