The Volunteering Forum 2026 will bring together people involved in European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering activities for an international event in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Through peer learning, interactive sessions, networking activities, and discussions, participants will examine how volunteering can contribute to solidarity, active citizenship, personal development, professional skills, and employability.
What Is the Volunteering Forum 2026?
The Volunteering Forum is organized as part of an ESCNET activity by the Turkish National Agency.
ESCNET is a tool used by National Agencies to support the European Solidarity Corps and increase the programme’s overall impact. The forum will create a space where participants and stakeholders can discuss current developments, challenges, successful practices, and future opportunities in ESC volunteering.
The event will be conducted in English, so participants are expected to have sufficient English communication skills to understand and actively participate in the sessions.
Main Objectives of the Forum
The Volunteering Forum will focus on several key objectives related to the development of European Solidarity Corps volunteering.
The main goals include:
- Sharing experiences and successful practices from ESC volunteering projects.
- Strengthening cooperation between volunteers, mentors, coordinators, youth workers, and organizations.
- Examining the contribution of volunteering to young people’s personal and professional development.
- Discussing quality standards, support mechanisms, and challenges encountered in volunteering projects.
- Creating opportunities for networking and developing potential future partnerships within the ESC community.
- Celebrating the 30th anniversary of volunteering.
Volunteering Forum 2026 Thematic Clusters
The programme will be structured around four thematic clusters, with each cluster addressing a different aspect of volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps.
Sessions within the clusters will run concurrently, allowing participants to select topics that best match their interests, experience, and professional background.
Cluster 1 – Quality in ESC Volunteering
The first cluster will examine how the quality of ESC volunteering projects can be improved.
Topics will include quality standards, stakeholder responsibilities, volunteer support mechanisms, and approaches for creating meaningful, inclusive, and positive volunteering experiences.
Cluster 2 – Learning, Impact and Recognition
The second cluster will focus on the outcomes of volunteering and its influence on participants.
It will explore personal, social, and professional development, competence building, recognition of learning outcomes, active citizenship, and the role of volunteering in promoting solidarity.
Cluster 3 – Building Stronger ESC Communities
The third cluster will concentrate on cooperation within the ESC community.
Volunteers, organizations, mentors, youth workers, and National Agencies will have opportunities to discuss networking, partnership development, cooperation, and the exchange of good practices.
Cluster 4 – The Future of Volunteering
The final cluster will look at emerging developments that may shape the future of European Solidarity Corps volunteering.
The discussions will cover innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, emerging trends, and new approaches that can improve the quality and long-term social impact of volunteering activities.
Volunteering Forum 2026 Call for Speakers
The event also includes a Call for Speakers for participants who would like to contribute more actively to the programme.
Selected speakers may take part by:
- Delivering a keynote speech,
- Participating in a panel discussion,
- Conducting a workshop.
Those selected for a speaker role will have their travel, board, and accommodation costs fully covered by the Turkish National Agency for the entire duration of the forum.
Speaker applications must be submitted by 1 October 2026.
Who Can Apply as a Speaker?
The Call for Speakers is particularly aimed at people with experience or an active role in the European Solidarity Corps, including:
- Representatives of organizations holding an ESC Quality Label,
- Former ESC volunteers,
- ESC project coordinators,
- ESC mentors,
- People working in other ESC-related roles within organizations.
Participant Information
The Volunteering Forum is planned for 80 participants.
Selected participants will receive a more detailed information package and programme schedule before the event.
Arrival activities will begin on 8 October, while departures are scheduled for 11 October 2026.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to have a connection with the European Solidarity Corps volunteering field through previous volunteering experience, professional responsibilities, mentoring, project coordination, organizational work, or another relevant ESC-related role.
Applicants should also be able to understand and speak English, as English will be the working language of the forum.
For the Call for Speakers, candidates should be able to make a meaningful contribution through a keynote presentation, panel discussion, or workshop.
Speaker applicants are expected to submit their applications by 1 October 2026.
Volunteering Forum 2026 Dates and Application Deadline
Event dates: 8–11 October 2026
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Number of participants: 80
Arrival: 8 October 2026
Departure: 11 October 2026
General application deadline: 14 September 2026
Call for Speakers deadline: 1 October 2026
Event language: English
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