The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) unanimously selected Abu Dhabi as the host city for the 26th World Volunteer Conference in October 2022 — the largest global gathering of volunteering experts and practitioners.

The conference aims to create an environment that encourages networking, sharing of knowledge, and continuous learning for all those who believe volunteering improves their communities and the lives of those who volunteer, and is a strategic asset to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hosted for the first time in the Middle East, the 26th IAVE World Volunteer Conference will be hosted by the Emirates Foundation, the national organization of the UAE set up by the Abu Dhabi Government to facilitate public-private funded initiatives to strengthen community resilience.

Emirates Foundation shapes, guides and delivers innovative volunteering programs that increasingly encourage community members to volunteer, with far-reaching national impact

The conference is expected to attract around 1000 participants from more than 100 countries, representing all the stakeholders of the volunteer community, including individual leaders, civil society organizations, government agencies, academia and businesses.