At the upcoming seventieth session of the UN General Assembly, the Secretary-General will report to Member States on progress on volunteerism since 2012 and present a proposed Plan of Action for the next decade and beyond (2016-2030). The Plan of Action aims at integrating volunteering in peace and development policies and programmes through a strategic and collective long-term approach that matches the period of sustainable development goals (SDGs) implementation. It provides a frame through which civil society, the UN and other stakeholders can support and leverage the potential of volunteerism worldwide. In fact, evidence exists that when volunteerism is integrated into national development strategies and United Nations plans, people are increasingly able to contribute to achievements in education, health, governance, sustainable livelihoods, security and peace, environment, gender and social inclusion. Based on the improved recognition of volunteerism and on...