Conference Postponement Announcement
Over the past several months, IAVE and the Emirates Foundation have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and have come to the decision that it is no longer advisable to go forward with the 26th IAVE World Volunteer Conference (WVC) in October 2020 as planned.
Thus, we have decided to postpone the WVC to October or November of 2021 with a specific date to be announced by July of this year. This was a difficult decision, but the health, safety and well-being of our partners, presenters, and attendees requires that we take this action.
However, while we are postponing our conference, we are definitely not pausing our work. In the coming year, we will be holding events, webinars and virtual sessions to engage our global community, stakeholders and build momentum for the 2021 WVC. Stay tuned for announcements and further details!
In addition, we would like to thank our sponsors, partners and networks for their continued support as we navigate through this unprecedented time. We look forward to seeing everyone in the UAE in 2021, strengthened and reinvigorated.
Thank you,
IAVE & Emirates Foundation
FAQs
When will you announce the new conference dates?
New dates will be announced by July 2020. Tentatively, the conference is scheduled for October/November 2021.
Will the host country for the 2021 conference still be the United Arab Emirates?
The conference will still be hosted by the Emirates Foundation and will take place in the UAE.
I already registered/paid for the conference. How will you proceed with existing registrations and payments?
The Emirates Foundation will cancel all registrations and process 100% refunds. We ask for your patience as we process the cancellations and refunds.
Can I transfer my existing registration for next year?
At this time, we will be cancelling all existing registration. The registration portal for the new dates will open early 2021.
I submitted an application to present at the conference. What will happen to my submission?
Due to the dynamic nature of our field, the conference program will be updated and modified to best fit the context of the volunteer community in 2021. As a result, there will be another round of Call for Presenters to reflect the program changes. We encourage you to submit your abstract at that time.
When will registration open for the new dates?
Registration for the new dates will open in February 2021.
Who can I contact for any inquiries or concerns?
Please email us at convenings@iave.org with any questions or concerns.
Welcome Message
On behalf of the United Arab Emirates, we are really honoured to have been selected to host the 26th IAVE World Volunteer Conference in 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
We are privileged to host this global conference on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of IAVE, which has been a pioneer in bringing together individuals, organizations and the private sector — on an unprecedented scale — to support and advance volunteering around the world.
We are committed to deliver a memorable Volunteering Conference with a meaningful and far-reaching legacy.
I can assure you that you will be touched by the spirit of our young country that looks to the future with enthusiasm and hope.
Hosting the global IAVE conference in Abu Dhabi recognizes the central role of volunteering in our young nation, which has been built on the spirit of service and giving by the UAE’s Founding Father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Today, inspired by his legacy, our nation has become a shining example of volunteering – the private, public and non-profit sectors working collaboratively and creating social impact at scale, both locally and globally.
The UAE is a nation recognized for its openness, innovation, leadership, stability and diversity, delivering on hope and ambition. Our nationals and residents of over 200 nationalities work harmoniously together within the UAE and globally in every segment of society.
Together, we look forward to sharing our experience with all of you, building bridges of cooperation and innovation, that will contribute to the global empowerment of volunteerism within the region and globally.
We look forward to welcoming you all and more in 2020 in ABU DHABI, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates!