Contemporary volunteering that emphasises reciprocal exchange

Tell us a little about France Voluntaires and your role as its Country Director in Cambodia?

France Volontaires is one of the key players in French international cooperation and solidarity development, serving as the French national platform for international exchange and solidarity volunteering (VIES). It operates as a public interest group under the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, bringing together state, local authorities, and associations to promote and support quality volunteering.

In my role as Country Representative for France Volontaires in Cambodia, I’m responsible for formulating and executing the organisation’s strategic vision within the country. This includes representing France Volontaires to various French and Cambodian authorities, overseeing the activities of the resource hub for volunteers and partner organisations related to French mechanism of volunteering VIES, identifying and developing new multi-stakeholder projects involving the mobilisation of volunteers, diversifying funding resources and managing the administrative and financial aspects for the Cambodian office.

Do you think the practice of volunteering has changed globally over the past 10 years? In what way?

Volunteering has evolved significantly, moving towards a more inclusive and reciprocal model. While traditional volunteering often involved a one-way flow of resources from the Global North to the South, contemporary volunteering emphasises reciprocal exchange and the co-construction of projects. This is reflected in the rise of “South-South” volunteering and programs that host volunteers from partner countries in France which is inscribed in a dynamic “North-South”. The focus has shifted from simple aid to shared learning, capacity building, and strengthening civil society’s actions in various areas of intervention, from education, culture to natural preservation or even agroecology. This new approach seeks to address global challenges, such as climate change, by mobilising a diverse range of individuals and skills in relevance to the local demands in complementary human resources.

What attracted you to work with France Volontaires?

As an Economic Attaché at the French Embassy in Cambodia for almost 6 years, I gained extensive experience in economics, international cooperation, and research. My move to France Volontaires, a French public interest group dedicated to international exchange and solidarity, aligns with my professional background, which aims to develop bilateral ties through trade exchange and particularly human exchange via volunteerism in addition to student mobility. My current role allows me to leverage my expertise in economic development and international relations to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support local initiatives in Cambodia as well as the need of Cambodian volunteers to support addressing French civil society’s challenges.

Currently, what are the most significant challenges volunteer organisations face globally?

Currently, volunteer organisations face several challenges:

• Integration and Professionalisation: There is an ongoing ambiguity between volunteering and professional work. The Organisations must manage the dual role of volunteers as both committed individuals and potential temporary substitutes for paid labour.
• Safety and Security: Ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of volunteers, especially in complex or high-risk environments, remains a top priority.
• Financial Sustainability: Organisations must diversify funding and manage resources effectively by working jointly with other organisations to sustain their missions, especially in an evolving economic landscape, and the cut of ODA usually provided by advanced economies.

If you could say anything to world leaders about the value of volunteering and its role in strengthening civil society, what would it be?

The message to world leaders would be a call for greater recognition and integration of volunteering. Volunteering is not merely a charitable act; it is a powerful tool for social cohesion and contributes to sustainable development, as stated by the UN which has chosen 2026 as the year of volunteering. It strengthens civil society by building trust, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and empowering individuals. To truly harness its potential, world leaders should:

• Recognise and Value Volunteering: Acknowledge volunteerism as a critical, non-monetary contribution to national development strategies and the achievement of the SDGs.
• Create Enabling Environments: Implement policies that facilitate and protect volunteers, ensuring their safety and the recognition of their skills.
• Invest in Reciprocity: Support programs that promote a two-way exchange of volunteers, whether it is in dynamic “North-South” or “South-South”, reinforcing the principles of shared responsibility and mutual respect for the mutual interest of people.

France Volontaires has long supported Forum and IVCO, how has this association enriched your work?

France Volontaires’ support for platforms like Forum and the International Volunteer Cooperation Organisations (IVCO) has been integral to its mission since France Volontaires is a board member of Forum. By actively participating in these global networks, the organisation and its representatives can:

• Shape Sectoral Policy: Influence and contribute to global discussions on volunteering and development.
• Network and Share Best Practices: Connect with other leading organisations to exchange knowledge and improve their programs.
• Enhance Visibility and Credibility: Elevate the profile of France Volontaires and demonstrate its commitment to a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to volunteering.

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