This report reveals that cooperation between volunteers and governments helps build more collaborative decision-making. This research on volunteering comes at a crucial moment. Serious development challenges – from climate emergencies to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown us that we need to change the way we live work and cooperate. It is time for a global reset. There is currently a cry by people worldwide for a new type of social contract with a renewed emphasis on inclusion. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spelled out the need for a New Social Contract that creates equal opportunities and respect the rights and freedoms of all. Every seventh person in the world is a volunteer. Despite the devastating socio-economic impacts of the pandemic global interest in volunteering has not waned and volunteering in communities has endured. Communities have continued to respond to the crisis in significant ways despite limited mobility and resources. While restrictions have prevented many people from volunteering in person many have switched to volunteering online. The report draws on case study research across five regions: Africa Arab States Asia and the Pacific Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States and Latin America and the Caribbean.

In most societies millions of people make significant contributions to economic and social development through voluntary action. This report supports a better understanding of volunteerism by exhibiting its universality scope and reach and by highlighting new trends in the 21st century. It examines the important contributions in diverse fields such as enhanced livelihoods social inclusion social cohesion disaster risk reduction governance and political participation. This publication also provides an alternative vision towards a better society. It is expected to lead to enhanced recognition facilitation networking and promotion of volunteerism worldwide and to an increased recognition of United Nations Volunteers' critical role in peace and development as well as in norm-setting in the United Nations System.