IVY2026 Travelling Logo Reaches Kaieteur Falls: A First for the Caribbean, SIDS, and the Amazon

In a landmark moment for the global International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 (IVY2026) campaign, the travelling IVY2026 logo has been showcased at Kaieteur Falls, marking its first appearance in the Caribbean, as well as its first activation in a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and within the Amazon region.

Located deep within Guyana’s pristine rainforest, Kaieteur Falls is one of the world’s most powerful single-drop waterfalls, symbolizing both the natural richness of the region and the importance of sustainable stewardship. Against this extraordinary backdrop, the IVY2026 travelling logo initiative brought global attention to the vital role of volunteerism in advancing sustainable development.

A Global Message, A Local Setting

The activation was facilitated by César Guedes, UNV Focal Point in Guyana and Senior Subregional Advisor (Caribbean), who engaged a group of 12 international visitors to participate in this symbolic moment. 

Representing a diverse range of countries and professions, including medical practitioners, academics, engineers, diplomats, and creatives, their participation reflects a shared understanding that volunteerism transcends borders, cultures, and disciplines, serving as a unifying force for collective action in addressing today’s complex global challenges.

“Bringing the IVY2026 travelling logo to Kaieteur Falls was both symbolic and strategic. It reflects our commitment to positioning volunteerism at the heart of development efforts in the Caribbean and beyond, while engaging people from all walks of life in a shared global movement,” said Guedes.

Advancing the Agenda 2030 through Volunteerism

The IVY2026 campaign aims to raise awareness about the critical contributions of volunteers to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as highlighted by UN General Assembly Resolution 78/127, encouraging Member States to promote volunteerism as a driver of the SDGs. 

“This initiative shows how volunteerism can connect people across cultures and places, even in remote locations, and highlights the vital role volunteers play in advancing sustainable development in Guyana,” said Jean Kamau, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana.

Across the world, volunteers play a transformative role in strengthening community resilience, promoting inclusion, supporting service delivery, and fostering innovation at the grassroots level. In regions such as the Caribbean, characterized by unique vulnerabilities linked to climate change, economic shocks, and geographic isolation, volunteerism is an essential enabler of sustainable and inclusive development.

From Guyana to the World

This milestone in Guyana underscores the country’s growing role within global development dialogues and highlights the Caribbean’s contribution to the global volunteerism movement. It also reinforces the importance of inclusive participation and partnerships in achieving the SDGs.

As the travelling logo continues its journey across regions, its presence at Kaieteur Falls stands as a powerful reminder: volunteerism is everywhere, from remote natural landscapes to global policy platforms, connecting people and driving progress toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.