CCIVS participated in the International Volunteer Cooperation Organisations (IVCO) 2026 conference taking place in Paris presented by the Global Volunteering Forum and France Volontaires, bringing its experience in International Voluntary Service (IVS) to discussions on the future of volunteering, the recognition of learning and the role of communities in international cooperation.
The event brought together volunteering organisations, researchers, academic institutions and other stakeholders, creating opportunities to exchange perspectives, share experiences and explore new partnerships.
Recognising the value of volunteering
A central focus of CCIVS’ participation was C-IVS Skills, our initiative dedicated to recognising and certifying the skills and competences developed through International Voluntary Service.
During a session exploring how learning through volunteering can be better recognised and communicated, CCIVS shared its approach to making these experiences visible and valued.
International Voluntary Service creates opportunities for learning that extend beyond the individual volunteer. Through collective action, intercultural exchange and community engagement, volunteers and communities contribute to shared learning and social transformation.
C-IVS Skills seeks to strengthen the recognition of these experiences through a framework grounded in the realities and values of International Voluntary Service.
The presentation generated considerable interest among participating organisations, including several interested in exploring the tools and opportunities for future collaboration.
Connecting research and practice
IVCO also provided valuable opportunities to exchange with universities and researchers working on volunteering, learning and certification.
Discussions with representatives of Northumbria University, the Catholic University of Lille and Goldsmiths, University of London highlighted the potential for closer collaboration between academic research and practical experience.
These exchanges are particularly relevant as CCIVS continues developing C-IVS Skills and exploring ways to strengthen the evidence, accessibility and recognition of learning through volunteering.
By connecting research with the experience of our international network, CCIVS aims to contribute to approaches that reflect the diversity of volunteering practices and the important role of local communities.
Building connections across the volunteering sector
Beyond the formal sessions, IVCO offered opportunities to engage with organisations and institutions working across different areas of international cooperation.
Conversations with Norec, France Volontaires, the National Trust and other stakeholders opened perspectives for further exchange on community-centred volunteering, capacity building, training and international partnerships.
These discussions also reinforced the importance of creating spaces where different volunteering models and experiences can meet, learn from one another and contribute to more inclusive approaches.
Strengthening the future of International Voluntary Service
For CCIVS, participation in IVCO was an opportunity not only to share ongoing work, but also to reaffirm the distinctive contribution of International Voluntary Service.
Rooted in solidarity, reciprocity, intercultural understanding and community participation, IVS continues to offer meaningful approaches to addressing shared challenges and building more peaceful and inclusive societies.
As CCIVS continues its work on the recognition of skills and learning, we look forward to building on the connections established at IVCO and strengthening cooperation with organisations, researchers and institutions committed to recognising the wider value of volunteering.
