CCIVS

CCIVS’ main focus is the quest to achieve change in the minds of men and women by bringing together people of different backgrounds. It supports and develops projects based on the idea that working together on a concrete task is the most effective way of creating international friendship and understanding. The projects serve as a catalyst for dialogue as they provide an opportunity to work together according to each person’s ability and to practice living together. In such situations, national and international volunteers experience a new reality which can challenge their habits and convictions as well as those of the local community.

CCIVS actions include advocacy and networking, capacity building and training, UN cooperation projects, impact measurement and quality improvement. It also coordinates two international campaigns Raising Peace and IVS for Climate Justice.

CCIVS is inter-disciplinary: its members are self-regulating and involved in a wide variety of types of activity.

CCIVS was created under the aegis of UNESCO in 1948 and its Secretariat is still in UNESCO House today. It has always worked closely with the UN organisation and complements UNESCO intellectual activity and goals in the fields of Education, Culture, Sciences and Communication through a hands-on, non-formal education approach transforming societies at the grassroots level. CCIVS has actively contributed to programs and campaigns from diverse UN bodies and was involved in discussions concerning the creation of the United Nations Volunteers. It received in 1987 the title “Messenger of Peace” by UN Secretary-General, Perez de Cuellar.