About IAVE’s World Volunteer Conferences

It all began in 1970 when IAVE was born from the vision of our founders that volunteers from throughout the world could come together to share their experiences, to learn from one another and to build bridges across cultural, political and linguistic barriers.

The importance of the conference was reflected in its role as the kick-off event, held in Amsterdam, of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers in January 2001 and, in Singapore, of IYV+10 in 2011. Attendance has grown to almost 1,000 global, national and local leaders of volunteering from civil society organizations (NGOs), grassroots community initiatives, business, religion, education and government. This conference in Mexico City marked IAVE’s 24th World Volunteer Conference.

About the Host Organization

Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía (Cemefi, Mexican Center for Philanthropy) was founded in December 1988, is a non-profit civil organization, with no political party, racial or religious affiliation. As a member association, Cemefi is authorized by the Ministry of Finance to issue tax deductible receipts. Cemefi´s headquarters are located in Mexico City and its activities encompass the whole country.

Cemefi´s mission is to foster and enhance the culture of philanthropy and social responsibility in Mexico and to strengthen the organized and active participation of society. Cemefi has more than 1,500 members that include businesses and corporate foundations, non-profit organizations, and individuals.

Who Attended

The conference was attended by 895 participants from 56 countries, representing 449 NGOs, companies and government agencies worldwide. From the 895 attendees there was 504 individuals from Mexico, 171 from other Latin American countries and 220 from everywhere else around the globe. Also in attendance were 194 staff members and volunteers providing support for the event.