Volunteering Waikato's role in the UN Sustainable Development Goals

12 October 2020 | News

Volunteering Waikato is working to identify and improve how we directly and indirectly contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals [SGDs], which are about making the right choices now to improve life, without compromising the needs of our future generations, to build an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for both people and planet.

The SDGs are a universal plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, strengthening peace and requiring partnership for their implementation. An inclusive and bold commitment to the people and the planet.

Volunteering is a key contributor in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs cannot be achieved without people’s engagement at all stages, and without new partnerships, including with volunteer involving organisations, groups and projects [VIOs]. VIOs can be brokers of and provide spaces for engagement, connecting institutional initiatives with volunteer action at community level. It is crucial that volunteers are involved from the planning stage when governments and institutions align their plans to the SDGs. Volunteering transforms the volunteers as well as the people they work with.

Volunteering Waikato has a vision to create a community enriched by volunteering, dedicating to leading positive change in the community through the support and promotion of volunteering. Volunteering gives us the opportunity to address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.