2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development

Some of the community gardeners working hard at Bridgefoot Street Community Garden. Photo: Robert Moss, An Taisce.

UN General Assembly proclaims 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development

Horticulture

26 March 2026

2026 marks the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

IVY 2026 invites us to celebrate and recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers everywhere. It’s a moment to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire even more people to get involved.

Volunteerism is a cornerstone of sustainable development and humanitarian action. Volunteers strengthen societies in times of crisis and peace, and their contributions are vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Valuing and measuring volunteer contributions – formal and informal – is key to strengthening global understanding and shaping innovative models for the future.

As part of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Ballymun-based charity GAP Ireland is putting volunteers in the spotlight, highlighting how their work in community gardens is driving real climate action and building stronger, greener communities across Dublin.

In the GLAS community gardens, people find a space to rediscover their connection with nature and with other people.

Volunteering in community gardens benefits the community as well as the volunteer, but is also a way to break what GAP Ireland terms “the spiral of inaction”. Each small action is important in and of itself, but also because it creates visible, tangible change that inspires others to act.

“Our GLAS community gardens are thriving because of the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy and care, and thanks to the vital support of local authorities,” Hans Zomer, CEO of GAP Ireland, said.

He added: “at our community gardens in Ballymun and Corduff, volunteers are turning what were once abandoned pieces of land into small urban oases, where people are coming together for climate action, connection and learning. Together, they are growing food, restoring nature and building stronger, more resilient communities. These gardens show that sustainable development starts at the local level.”