Mexico Joins Commemoration Of International Year Of Volunteers For Sustainable Development 2026

• The Mexican government joined the UN's commemorative activities for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026
• A reforestation event in San Juan de Aragón Forest brought together participants who planted more than 500 trees

The Foreign Ministry's General Directorate for Civil Society Liaison is participating in the program of activities marking the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 (IVY 2026), declared by the United Nations (UN), in coordination with the Office of the President, the Ministries of the Interior, Bienestar (Wellbeing), Public Education, and Health, and the National System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF).

This initiative aims to recognize volunteering as a key driver of sustainable development and calls on governments, organizations, and society at large to promote volunteering in all its forms.

This morning, the Foreign Ministry and the National Forestry Commission held a reforestation event in San Juan de Aragón Forest in Mexico City. More than 150 officials from the ministry and other government agencies, together with staff from United Nations agencies, funds, and programs in Mexico, planted over 500 ash, jacaranda, and huizache trees.

The program in Mexico includes activities throughout the year, such as messaging campaigns on volunteering-as seen on La Hora Nacional, produced by the Interior Ministry, and on the Matías Romero Institute's podcast-along with panel discussions, meetings, community events, and fairs, as well as a seminar to be held at the Foreign Ministry's headquarters next September.

IVY 2026 will officially close on December 4 with the awards ceremony for the 2026 National Prize for Volunteer and Solidarity Action, led by the Ministry of Health, recognizing the work of volunteers across the country.

The outcomes of the actions taken by member states participating in IVY 2026 will inform the report to be presented to the UN General Assembly at its 82nd session in 2027.

Through these activities, Mexico reaffirms its commitment to social participation and environmental protection, recognizes volunteering as a key tool for sustainable development, and helps build more inclusive, supportive, and resilient societies.