The CCIVS Executive Committee met in Paris for a focused working session that combined governance priorities with relationship building. Some members had already worked together in the previous mandate, while others met in person for the first time. Sharing time face to face supported trust, clarified how the team will work together, and established a reliable rhythm for follow up across an international network.
The meeting also advanced core governance work for 2026. The Executive Committee reviewed roles and responsibilities, coordinated next steps for Working Groups approved by the General Assembly, and opened early discussions that will contribute to the Strategic Plan 2028 to 2033. The Secretariat shared operational updates, and the Executive Committee reviewed financial and planning elements to keep priorities aligned with capacity and delivery timelines.
For members and partners who want to follow governance updates, the Executive Committee landing page includes current information and contacts.
Read more: https://ccivs.org/executive-committee/
What was covered in Paris
Roles and responsibilities
The Executive Committee clarified who leads and who supports across key areas so coordination stays consistent and follow up remains clear.
Working Groups
The Executive Committee agreed how it will accompany and coordinate the Working Groups that were approved by the General Assembly, with attention to realistic timelines and shared accountability.
Strategic direction
Members held a first exchange to begin shaping the Strategic Plan 2028 to 2033 process, ensuring that early inputs can be collected and structured well ahead of the drafting phase.
Updates and alignment
The Secretariat shared operational updates, including a finance overview and planning coherence for 2026, so governance decisions remain connected to implementation capacity.
Executive Committee members
Veronika Marková, President and Vice President for Europe and the Mediterranean
Active in the IVS movement for over a decade, with experience in network cooperation, volunteer support structures, and regional coordination across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Bert Verstappen, General Secretary
Brings 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, with a focus on strengthening youth led volunteering, community based workcamps, and regional collaboration across the African IVS movement.
Luz Gutiérrez, Treasurer and Vice President for the Americas
Combines experience in social development, 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
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 experience from the CCIVS Youth Committee, representing Latin America and advancing youth participation and decolonial approaches in international volunteering.
Katalin Somlai, Executive Committee member
Brings a strong background in finance and organisational development, including leadership experience in SCI Hungary, supporting good governance, accountability, and sustainable organisational management within international networks.
Read more and contact
Executive Committee page: https://ccivs.org/executive-committee/
Governance page: https://ccivs.org/governance/