In a bold step to elevate the value of volunteerism, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the University of Pretoria (UP) launched the Global Volunteer Index at an event in the east of Johannesburg.

This first-of-its-kind tool is designed to systematically measure and spotlight the contributions of volunteers to sustainable development worldwide.

The Global Volunteer Index is set to become a game-changer, giving governments and development partners insights to tap into the full potential of volunteerism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Samuel Manda, who leads the GVI at UP, emphasised the importance of data in shaping policy: “With this Index, we aim to build a compelling, data-driven case for increased investment in volunteerism as a force for achieving sustainable development.”

Dr Tapiwa Kamuruko, Chief of Volunteer Advisory Services at UNV, said, “This is a major milestone for the global volunteering and development community. Until now, there has been no universally accepted framework to measure the vital, and often invisible, contributions of volunteers. The Global Volunteer Index changes that – it’s not just about data, but about recognition.”

The day-long event united a dynamic mix of stakeholders – from government representatives and academics to volunteer organisations and global volunteer networks. A high-level panel takes centre stage at the event, focusing on how the new Index will help countries measure volunteer contributions.

Still in its early phase, the framework introduces a globally relevant methodology for collecting and analysing volunteer data. A comprehensive Framework for the Global Volunteer Index will be published later this year in UNV’s flagship publication, the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR).

View the GVI Launch Agenda here.

View pictures of the event here.