The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development, highlighting the significance of volunteer work in achieving global sustainability goals. Latvia, along with other nations, has endorsed this resolution, recognizing the challenge and importance of tapping into volunteer resources effectively. According to specialist Jana Jansone, 57 countries are advocating for a renewed focus on volunteers, particularly in both festive and crisis situations where their contribution is invaluable.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noted global decline in the number of long-term volunteers. Jansone emphasizes the need to reinvigorate volunteerism in Latvia, encouraging citizens to engage more actively. While there appears to be an increase in short-term volunteer involvement for various events such as sports and culture, the challenge remains in securing long-term commitments from volunteers.

This situation calls for strategies to promote and sustain volunteer engagement over the long term, especially among seniors who are eager to contribute. They possess significant experience and motivation to help their communities, but should be encouraged to engage beyond short-term contributions. By prioritizing this group and creating avenues for their involvement, Latvia could enhance its voluntary sector and address wider societal challenges more effectively.