ZAGREB, 9 March (Hina) - Following the UN’s declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, the Croatian Red Cross and the Croatian Volunteer Development Centre announced a programme of nationwide events highlighting volunteers' role in achieving sustainable development goals.

Croatia joined the initiative on 16 February, designating the two organisations as the joint national contact point for cooperation with the UN Secretariat.

Ivana Zadražil Vorberger of the Red Cross emphasised that volunteering is not only an act of goodwill but also a driver of social change, particularly amid economic, social and climate challenges.

"At such moments, it was crucial to recognise that without volunteers, institutions cannot function on their own, and that it is not good for everything to rely solely on institutions, but that the key lies in civic initiative. That is why 2026 is a call to action," said Zadražil Vorberger.

"Volunteering has deep roots in Croatian society, but it often remains insufficiently visible and acknowledged. We do not want this year to be just a series of one-off events, but the start of long-term change," she added.

Jelena Kamenko Mayer of the Volunteer Development Centre said monthly activities will engage volunteers and organisers, culminating in a major conference presenting the year's results.