Report on Volunteerism as a Catalyst for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction: The Role of UN Volunteers at Expo 2025
A report from the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, highlights the critical role of volunteerism in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Based on testimony from Mr. Haruki Ume and information presented by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, this document outlines how individual and collective volunteer action contributes directly to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Personal Transformation and Commitment to Global Goals
Mr. Ume’s journey into development work began during a student exchange program in the United States. Exposure to peers from diverse backgrounds, who demonstrated a profound commitment to improving their home communities, served as a catalyst. This experience underscored the global disparities and motivated a shift in his focus towards development issues, aligning with the principles of **SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)**.
His subsequent volunteer missions to countries including Cambodia, the Philippines, India, and Uganda involved direct engagement with initiatives aimed at achieving specific SDGs:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Supporting educational programs for underserved communities.
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Assisting with initiatives designed to help people in less fortunate circumstances.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Engaging in a mutual exchange of knowledge and experience, which is fundamental to building effective global partnerships.
Fostering Peace and International Cooperation through Cultural Exchange
Mr. Ume noted that his upbringing in a homogenous rural community in Japan initially presented personal barriers to engaging with foreign cultures. Overcoming these challenges by embracing new experiences fostered a deeper understanding and adaptability. This process of building cross-cultural bridges is a foundational element for achieving **SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)**, as it promotes friendship and international cooperation.
His current work at the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 is a direct application of this principle. The event serves as a platform to bring global perspectives to a local audience, encouraging dialogue on how to collaborate more effectively towards a peaceful and equitable world, thereby reinforcing **SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)**.
The UN Volunteers (UNV) Programme: A Framework for Global Action
The UNV programme provides a structured mechanism for individuals to contribute to the UN’s mission and the SDGs. The programme’s global impact is significant, demonstrating a large-scale commitment to the 2030 Agenda.
- Global Reach: Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, UNV is active in approximately 169 countries and territories, ensuring a wide-reaching impact on global development efforts.
- Scale of Deployment: In 2024, UNV deployed over 14,500 volunteers to nearly 60 UN entities, showcasing a substantial human resource dedicated to peace and development.
- Contribution Across SDGs: Volunteers serve in diverse roles that support a wide spectrum of the SDGs, including community development (**SDG 11**), human rights (**SDG 16**), humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding (**SDG 16**), and medical services (**SDG 3**).
- Future Recognition: The designation of 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development by the UN General Assembly will further elevate the importance of volunteerism in achieving the global goals.
Analysis of SDGs in the Provided Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
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SDG 4: Quality Education
The article highlights education through Haruki Ume’s initial journey on an “educational exchange programme.” He later volunteered to “support education and other initiatives” and emphasizes the value of an “exchange of experiences and knowledge.” This directly connects to providing inclusive and equitable quality education.
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The narrative strongly promotes peace. Haruki states that understanding other cultures “promotes peace and friendship.” His work at Expo 2025 is aimed at creating a “more peaceful world.” Furthermore, the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme is explicitly mentioned as being active in “peacebuilding.”
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The entire article is a testament to global partnerships. Haruki’s story is about international cooperation, from his exchange program to his volunteer work across multiple countries. The UNV programme itself, which deploys thousands of volunteers to nearly 60 UN entities, exemplifies a global partnership for sustainable development. The article mentions Expo 2025 as a place to “discuss how we can work together more effectively.”
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Haruki’s motivation to “contribute more to society” was sparked by meeting peers from different backgrounds and was later driven by “helping people who were less fortunate than I.” This reflects a core principle of reducing inequalities within and among countries.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
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Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development… global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity…”
Haruki’s experience of traveling, learning about other cultures, and realizing it “promotes peace and friendship” is a direct example of acquiring the skills for global citizenship and appreciating cultural diversity.
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Target 16.a: “Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels…”
The UNV programme, which deploys volunteers to support various initiatives including “community development” and “peacebuilding,” is a form of international cooperation aimed at building local capacity.
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Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…”
The UNV programme is a prime example of a civil society partnership that mobilizes individuals to work with public entities (UN agencies) to achieve common goals. The article’s focus on volunteering and cooperation embodies the spirit of this target.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Implied Indicator for Target 4.7: The article implies that progress can be measured by the number of individuals participating in cross-cultural exchanges and volunteer programs. Haruki’s story is presented as a model for how such experiences foster global citizenship.
- Mentioned Indicator for Target 17.17: The article provides specific data that can serve as an indicator for the scale of global volunteer partnerships. It states, “In 2024, UNV deployed over 14,500 volunteers to almost 60 UN entities across the world.” The number of volunteers deployed annually is a direct measure of the scale of this partnership.
- Mentioned Indicator for SDG 17 (General): The article notes that the UNV programme is “active in around 169 countries and territories every year.” The number of countries where volunteer partnerships are active serves as an indicator of the global reach and implementation of partnerships for sustainable development.
4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
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SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development, including global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity. | Implied: The number of people participating in educational exchange and international volunteer programmes that promote cross-cultural understanding. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Target 16.a: Strengthen institutions through international cooperation to build capacity. | Mentioned: The deployment of volunteers to support initiatives like “peacebuilding” and “community development” in different countries. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective civil society partnerships. | Mentioned: “In 2024, UNV deployed over 14,500 volunteers.” “UNV was… active in around 169 countries and territories every year.” |
Source: news.un.org