Kazakhstan Continues Preparations for the International Year of Volunteers in 2026, as Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly

Kazakhstan is continuing its efforts in preparation for the International Year of Volunteers in 2026, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

The initiative to declare an International Year of Volunteers was proposed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in 2020.

It is noteworthy that President Tokayev attaches particular importance to the development of volunteerism in Kazakhstan, considering it one of the key components in building a Just Kazakhstan.

In furtherance of the Head of State’s initiative, the first meeting of the National Organizing Committee for the preparation and implementation of the International Year of Volunteers was held today, May 12, 2025, in Astana.

The event was attended by the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aida Balayeva, UNV Programme Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov, as well as representatives of government agencies, civil society organizations, and volunteer associations.

The participants discussed the objectives and responsibilities of Kazakhstan’s National Organizing Committee. Proposals aimed at creating new opportunities to strengthen the contribution of volunteerism to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals were also reviewed.

Activities conducted as part of the International Year will give a significant boost to the volunteer movement at the national, regional, and global levels, contributing to the further strengthening of international cooperation in the field of volunteerism and to the identification of key directions for its future development.

 

Press Service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan