Amidst global challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for mutually supportive relationships at all levels that recognise the interconnectedness and interdependence of people and planet. The breakout sessions on Day 3 will focus on how to sustain these connections in the face of myriad challenges, and will inspire delegates to discuss how transformative change can happen in different ways.

 In this Strategy Conversation, speakers will provide high-level insights and real-world examples to inspire delegates to consider how intersecting global crises impact volunteering and development in different ways.

Moderator: Erin Bateman (World University Service of Canada)

• Speaker: Pablo Dourojeanni (Norec)
• Title: "Climate action on the ground: how Volunteering Involving-Organisations (VIOs) respond to the climate crisis"

The effects of climate change are being felt around the world. Global warming has reached alarming levels and humanity is on track to exceed the agreed targets for limiting warming in the coming decade(s). In response, has the volunteering for development sector stepped up its response to the crisis, or has it not? What strategies is the sector using to address the impacts? What are the issues that Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) are focusing on? Are organisations equipped with the right skills and resources? This presentation will delve into these and other key questions, drawing on data from a recent 2023 climate survey of the volunteering sector.

• Speaker: Sonia Fernandes (Pista Mágica)
• Title: "Volunteer management and knowledge transfer in development: Challenges and ways forward"

Sixteen years ago, ‘Pista Mágica’ was established as the Portuguese Volunteer School, believing in the vast potential of volunteering and active citizenship as paths to transforming society. Over the years, the organisation has created and disseminated knowledge for effective and impactful voluntary action in Portugal, across Europe and globally, particularly impacting Africa and war-affected regions where there has been a high demand for its expertise. However, the process of sharing knowledge across diverse cultural contexts has presented significant challenges, especially in adapting content to fit local and often informal volunteer management dynamics. This presentation will explore the challenges encountered and the innovative solutions developed to address them, providing insights into effective strategies for knowledge dissemination in different cultural settings and an overview of the resources used to facilitate this global exchange.

• Speakers: James O’Brien (Forum) and Cliff Allum (University of Birmingham)
• Title: "International Year of Volunteering 2026: Strategic opportunities to influence the  Sustainable Development Agenda"

The current context in which volunteering takes place has been referred to as a ‘constellation of crises.’ A global environment that is dominated by change, uncertainty and unpredictability. The recent global pandemic, growing global inequality, the increasing evidence of a global climate crisis and major political unrest and war in significant areas of the world all bring into stark relief a world that often feels like it is spinning out of control. The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV) for Sustainable Development. 2026 also marks the 25th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers held in 2001. As the agenda for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 is being finalised, the speakers will highlight how timely it is to open global conversations on the key strategic global volunteering challenges. The global challenge to maximise how, what and where volunteers and volunteering can contribute to delivering sustainable development for current and future generations is a priority. A global conversation and call to action to achieve greater recognition for and investment in volunteering including influencing the shape and outcome of IYV 2026 is timely. The presentation will also explore how this conversation will have a pivotal moment in January 2026, as a milestone event is planned to mark the start of the IYV 2026 year, bringing together leaders and thinkers, policy makers and practitioners with one global focus to commit to action that maximises the involvement and impact of volunteers to deliver a more sustainable future.

*Four different modalities of breakout sessions have been designed to amplify diverse voices and promote opportunities for delegates to share their experiences in engaging ways during IVCO 2024.
Click here to find out more about what to expect from each type of breakout session.