The United Nations (UN) International Volunteer Year 2026

Celebrating BSL volunteer contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN General Assembly has declared 2026 as International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development, recognising the critical role volunteers play in their communities. It’s a global call to action for governments, NGOs, and communities to integrate volunteerism into development strategies. It’s also an opportunity to showcase how volunteers contribute to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

In recognition of this declaration, BSL will be celebrating and highlighting some of our volunteer programs and demonstrating how BSL volunteers contribute toward achieving these globally recognised SDGs.

Explore our videos below to learn how volunteering at BSL demonstrates our values in action, and our commitment to poverty reduction and social justice.
   

SDG 1: END POVERTY.

Meet Volunteer Support Officer, Cathy, and learn how her work enables and supports volunteers to feel connected and included.

SDG 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

Meet Digital Literacy Trainer, Maher, as he describes the importance of digital knowledge and his contribution to supporting people into decent work.

SDG 4. QUALITY EDUCATION.

Meet Wellbeing Practitioner, Martin, and learn how he went from a volunteer student placement to working at the David Scott School, and the role volunteers play in supporting quality education for all.

SDG 10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES.

Meet Tony, he has been part of BSL for a long time and his commitment runs much deeper than his role as a Board Director.

SDG 10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES.

Meet Rowan, one of BSL's Board Directors and committee members. As a trained Lawyer, and having worked as Executive Director at Victorian Legal Aid, Rowan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her volunteer role at BSL.

More amazing volunteering stories coming soon.