The CCIVS Executive Committee (EC) met in Paris for a focused working session that combined practical governance with something just as important: building a stronger team. Some EC members already knew each other from the previous mandate, while others met face-to-face for the first time. That time together helped establish trust, clarify ways of working, and set a shared rhythm for follow-up—essential for an international network.
Alongside that team dimension, the meeting progressed core governance priorities. The EC reviewed roles and responsibilities, coordinated follow-up for Working Groups approved by the General Assembly, and opened early discussions that will feed into the Strategic Plan 2028–2033. The Secretariat also shared operational updates, and the EC reviewed financial and planning elements to keep priorities aligned with capacity.
Read more: Executive Committee landing page: https://ccivs.org/executive-committee/
What was covered in Paris
- Roles and responsibilities: clarifying who leads and who supports across key areas so follow-up is consistent.
- Working Groups: agreeing how the EC will accompany and coordinate Working Groups approved by the General Assembly.
- Strategic direction: first exchanges to initiate the Strategic Plan 2028–2033 process.
- Updates and alignment: Secretariat update, finance overview, and planning coherence for 2026.
Executive Committee members (short bios)
Veronika Marková (President; Vice President for Europe and the Mediterranean), active in the IVS movement for over a decade, bringing strong experience in network cooperation, volunteer support structures, and regional coordination across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Bert Verstappen (General Secretary), with decades of engagement in international voluntary service and extensive civil society experience, including long-term work in human rights information and global cooperation across diverse regions and networks.
Dorcas Jena (Vice President for Africa), co-founder and coordinator at South Africa Volunteer Workcamp Association (SAVWA), with a focus on strengthening youth-led volunteering, community-based workcamps, and regional collaboration across the African IVS movement.
Luz Gutiérrez (Treasurer; Vice President for the Americas), with a social development and youth-focused profile, combining experience in community engagement and youth participation with a commitment to inclusion and stronger volunteering ecosystems across the Americas.
Richa Ghimire (Vice President for Asia Pacific), a development professional committed to international voluntary service, supporting intercultural learning, partnership-building, and meaningful volunteer engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.
Daniela Corbalan (Vice President for Youth), an international volunteer coordinator and youth participation advocate based in Germany, with years of experience coordinating workcamps, supporting volunteers, and creating inclusive spaces for intercultural learning and peacebuilding. Originally from Argentina, she also brings three years of experience in the CCIVS Youth Committee, representing Latin America and advancing youth participation and decolonial approaches in international volunteering.
Katalin Somlai, with a strong background in finance and organisational development, including leadership in SCI Hungary, supporting good governance, accountability, and sustainable organisational management within international networks.
Read more / contact
- Executive Committee page: https://ccivs.org/executive-committee/
- Governance page (if relevant for your site structure): https://ccivs.org/governance/