The Ministry of Youth has been selected as the national focal point in coordination with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme to mark the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 and strengthen the role of volunteering as a key pathway for youth empowerment and their participation in serving their communities.
اضافة اعلان
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, in recognition of the contributions of volunteers and volunteerism to sustainable development at both the global and national levels, and to reinforce their role as essential partners in addressing development challenges and advancing social progress.
In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Youth has been designated as the national focal point responsible for coordinating and implementing activities marking the International Year.
The designation reflects the Ministry’s efforts to establish volunteerism as a driver of sustainable development and strengthen the role of youth and communities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The role also builds on the Ministry of Youth’s efforts to organize volunteer work across the Kingdom, increase youth participation in community initiatives, and promote volunteering as a national value that contributes to sustainable development.
Minister of Youth Dr. Raed Sami Al-Adwan said that the Ministry’s designation as the national focal point for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 reflects the prominent position of volunteerism in Jordan.
He noted that this progress is the result of the attention and follow-up of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on the issue of volunteering in Jordan.
He highlighted initiatives including the Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work, the Volunteering Charter, and programmes implemented by the Ministry under its institutional and strategic plans, such as the Al Hussein Work and Construction Camps and volunteer programmes carried out by youth centers across all governorates.
These programmes provide young people with opportunities to participate in their communities and develop leadership skills.
Al-Adwan added that the designation represents an opportunity to showcase Jordan’s experience in volunteering internationally, strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Volunteers Programme, and exchange expertise and experiences in ways that contribute to the development of volunteer programmes and initiatives.
Under the assignment, the Ministry will lead the formation of a national committee comprising representatives from government institutions, national organizations, the private sector, and civil society. The committee will coordinate national efforts and prepare an integrated programme of events and initiatives for the International Year of Volunteers.
The programme will include activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening the culture of volunteering, highlighting the contributions of volunteers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and building partnerships across different sectors to support the sustainability of volunteer initiatives.
The Ministry will also monitor and document volunteer activities and register national initiatives through the International Year’s online Knowledge Portal.
This will help showcase Jordan’s experience in organizing volunteer work and facilitate the exchange of expertise with UN member states, culminating in the preparation of a national report documenting the outcomes of the celebrations and the lessons learned.
According to Nada Belhassen, the Regional Coordinator for the International Year of Volunteers 2026 for the Arab States region, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was among 54 countries that sponsored United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/127 declaring 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to strengthening the role and importance of volunteerism.
For her part, Noor Al-Hakim, National Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers Programme in Jordan, said that volunteering is a driving force for sustainable development, with volunteers contributing daily to supporting communities, strengthening social cohesion, and responding to local challenges.
She added that the United Nations Volunteers office looks forward to working with the Ministry of Youth and national partners to highlight Jordan’s achievements in volunteering during the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.
