Over the last six months, as COVID-19 has swept across the world, volunteers have been at the forefront of medical, community and social responses. News headlines have recognized the positive contributions of volunteers, from providing medical care to grocery shopping for vulnerable neighbours. But why does it take a global health pandemic to recognize the importance of volunteers in improving our world?
2020 is a year of urgency – and not just because of the coronavirus outbreak. Rising inequalities, long-lasting conflicts, complex emergencies, climate crisis, migration, displacement and the threat of ecosystem collapse currently affect the lives and livelihoods of billions of people. Locally led responses to these challenges are critical and volunteers are often at the helm of local efforts.