Synthesis

• Volunteering in Peru involves a significant portion of the population and is supported by the General Volunteering Law, which regulates this activity through the National Volunteering System. In 2023, approximately 16% of the working-age population (4.1 million people) participated in volunteer activities, dedicating a total of 248 million hours, equivalent to 0.13% of the country’s GDP.
• Volunteering is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it strengthens solidarity and contributes to sustainable development, particularly in goals such as reducing inequalities (SDG 10), ensuring access to health and education (SDGs 3 and 4), and promoting justice (SDG 16). 
• During the Covid-19 pandemic, participation in initiatives related to SDGs 1 and 2 that aimed to support the poorest populations, increased significantly. Additionally, traditional actions such as those led by the public sector under the slogan “Civil defense, everyone’s responsibility,” and community kitchens (“ollas comunes”) continue to be key pillars of social support.
• However, volunteering faces challenges such as a lack of resources, training, recognition, and formalization. To address these, laws are being strengthened, and spaces for coordination and awareness are being created in partnership with various sectors, contributing to SDG 17. Despite these efforts, more action is needed to overcome the complexity of current challenges.