Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Opening Event of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY) 2026

Co-chairs, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
 
I am honoured to deliver this statement on the occasion of the fifty-fifth anniversary of the UNV programme and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. Japan welcomes the broad support of Member States for the resolution proclaiming 2026 as the “International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development,” underscoring the international community’s growing recognition of the essential role of volunteerism.

Japan supports UNV’s expanding activities, which are central to advancing volunteerism globally, including as a country that hosts a UNV Liaison Office. In Japan’s context, this year, UN Volunteers were deployed to Africa under the theme of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Further, at the Osaka–Kansai Expo, UNV organized a dedicated side event to highlight the value of volunteerism ahead of the 2026 International Year, raising public awareness.
 
Japan’s deep-rooted commitment to volunteerism has a long history. The initiative to establish 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers was spearheaded by Japan and adopted in 1997. It was inspired by the advocacy of Dr. Takehito Nakata, father of the late UN Volunteer Mr. Atsuhito Nakata, who tragically lost his life while serving in Cambodia in 1993. As UNV Honorary Ambassador, Dr. Nakata dedicated himself to advancing volunteerism, and his legacy continues to guide Japan’s engagement today.

In Japan, following the 1995 Great Hanshin–Awaji Earthquake, approximately 1.4 million citizens travelled to Kobe to assist in relief efforts, profoundly influencing society. Since then, people of all ages, including youth, senior persons, women, and persons with disabilities, have actively engaged in volunteer activities, helping to build more inclusive and resilient communities.
 
Internationally, the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers programme, now marking its 60th anniversary, has dispatched more than 58,000 volunteers to 99 countries. Many former volunteers continue to tackle social challenges both at home and abroad, demonstrating the lasting impact of volunteer experience.
 
Volunteerism unites people and fosters a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world. Japan remains firmly committed to promoting volunteerism globally and to supporting volunteer initiatives as an essential element of sustainable development.
 
I thank you.