The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) welcomes the release of the Review of Best Practices in Volunteerism in CICA Member States, a new resource that showcases how volunteerism is improving lives, advancing sustainable development and strengthening cooperation across Asia.

Compiled by the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat and in partnership with UNV, the Review brings together examples of volunteer policies, programmes and initiatives from across CICA Member States. The report was prepared in the context of the International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026.

More than a mere compilation of best practices, the Review highlights the important role volunteers play in communities and makes the case for building stronger evidence on the impact of volunteerism. It encourages governments to recognize volunteerism as a valuable tool for enhancing social cohesion, community resilience and sustainable development. The Review shows how volunteers are helping communities respond to challenges, support vulnerable groups and create more inclusive societies.

Importantly, it is designed to serve as a living electronic resource. CICA Member States can continue updating their chapters and adding new examples as volunteerism evolves across the region, ensuring the document remains timely, practical and relevant.

Available on the CICA website and promoted on UNV, the publication will continue to grow as Member States contribute new experiences, lessons learned and innovative practices, reflecting the central message: that lasting change begins when people choose to act, connect and care, one community at a time.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is a regional intergovernmental forum of 28 Member States that promotes cooperation, trust and security across Asia. Volunteerism is one of CICA's confidence-building measures, supporting stronger people-to-people connections and sustainable development across the region.