Voluntary activity first emerged in the French army in the 17th century. This term came into existence after the registration of the French who wanted to become volunteer soldiers. So, in that period in Europe, those who voluntarily joined the military service were called "volontaires", i.e., "volunteers".

The basis of volunteering is the philosophy of altruism. Volunteering is considered an altruistic activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial or social gain.  The history of altruism is inextricably tied to sociology. The French philosopher Auguste Comte known as the founder of "positivism" and of the science of sociology, determined altruism to be the placing of others above the self, of their interests above one’s own. Comte’s personal definition regarded altruism as “living for others” (vivre pour autrui).  
  
As a movement in the modern sense, volunteering officially came to the fore in 1920 with the establishment of the Service Civil International organization. Following First World War, this organization aimed to eliminate hostilities among European nations and foster friendly relationships, quickly attracting tens of thousands of volunteers. During the severe economic downturn in 1929, the organization played an important role in providing socially useful work for unemployed youth, including the supply of food, clothing, and bedding, as well as addressing the problems they faced. Volunteer activity gained significant momentum in the subsequent years. The Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) was established under UNESCO in 1948 to strengthen and develop the capacity of the international voluntary service as a means of promoting peace and development.  The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program was established by the UN General Assembly in 1970. The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 1985. 
    
Volunteerism is a character deeply rooted in the ancient customs and traditions of Azerbaijan. The highest form of the volunteer movement for us is the voluntary defense of the Homeland. Volunteers have participated in battles, bravely defending our Homeland, and have reached the pinnacle of heroism - martyrdom. In general, volunteer activities have permeated every period of Azerbaijan's history, and manifested itself. Influencing various fields of activity volunteerism has evolved into a nationwide movement, spreading across various areas of social life, encompassing all walks of life, and becoming an integral part of the lifestyle of the youth. Young people are considered one of the driving forces of societal development in any country in the world. As a dynamic part of society, the youth actively participate in socio-political, socio-economic, and cultural life, standing at the center of all processes taking place in the country. 
 
In modern Azerbaijan, the real development in the field of volunteering began after the return of the great leader Heydar Aliyev to power. Therefore, the remarkable rise of the volunteer movement is closely associated with the name of the national leader. The Youth Forum in 1995 and the establishment of "Youth Day" in 1995-1996 became a beacon for the youth. In 1998, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the UN Development Program and the UN Volunteers Program, launched a joint project. As a result of this program, a strong volunteer team was formed in the country in 1998-2000, and the promotion of volunteer principles to a broad audience was initiated.             
                                                                           
President Ilham Aliyev's attention to this sphere was manifested in declaring 2007 as the "Year of Youth." Established by President Ilham Aliyev the "The Council of State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan" on December 13, 2007, was aimed at providing comprehensive support to NGOs and the voluntary sector. The Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Volunteer Activities" signed on June 9, 2009, has significantly contributed to the development of this field. The approval of such a law played an important role in protecting the rights and interests of citizens engaged in voluntary activities, strengthening civil society in Azerbaijan, and expanding reliable legal guarantees for the free and unimpeded activities of its institutions. The legal regulation of volunteer activities has had a substantial positive impact on the proper functioning of existing NGOs in the country, as well as other organizations benefiting from this service, and on addressing practical problems hindering volunteer activities.
 
ASAN, the "Regional Development" Public Union, "Bir" Student Volunteers, "Dost" Volunteers, and other volunteer movements have transformed into a large-scale volunteer team where tens of thousands of young people come together in central and local executive authorities.

The Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated December 30, 2019, declared 2020 the Year of Volunteers in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This decree aims to contribute to the individual development of youth, increase their sense of social responsibility, and effectively utilize the potential of the youth for the welfare of the community and the sustainable development of the country. Within the framework of the 'Year of Volunteers 2020,' a comprehensive Action Plan was prepared and implemented.  

Penetrating many spheres of activity, volunteering has become a countrywide movement, having spread across all regions of our country, covering various aspects of public life has become a way of life for the youth in Azerbaijan.  Our volunteers breathed new life into the activities they joined with their creativity, initiative, innovative thinking, and modern worldviews. Especially in recent years, the widespread growth of the volunteer movement has been observed in Azerbaijan.

At important international events held in our country, volunteers fulfill their roles admirably. Volunteers fulfill their role properly in important international events held in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani youth rendered invaluable assistance to the implementation of large-scale international events such as "The Eurovision Song Contest", "I European Games", "Formula 1" Grand Prix races, and "The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games" held in our country. As highlighted by President Ilham Aliyev: "Volunteerism is one of the most successful formats of joint activity for citizens, society, and the state, uniting people around common intentions. Volunteerism is also a school of patriotism, an example of commitment and service to one's people, state, and national-spiritual values."

Recommended literature:

1. Adilov, Nadir Adil oğlu. Könüllülük : uğur formulu / N. A. Adilov, E. Paşayev ; red.: E. Hacıyev, D. O. Osmanlı ; Azərbaycan Turizm və Menecment Universiteti, "Asan Könüllüləri" Təşkilatı. - Bakı : Adventa MMC, 2017. - 246 s.
2. Adilman, Nadir. Könüllünün öz/əl kitabı / N. Adilman ; Azərbaycan Respublikası Əqli Mülkiyyət Agentliyi. - Bakı : AzFood İnformasiya Agentliyi, 2020. - 189 s.
3. Qəmbərov, Atif.  Könüllülərlə iş /A. Qəmbərov, T. Hümbətov ; [red.: R. Hacıyev, N. Pirverdiyeva ; dizayner: Ə. İsmayılzadə, T. Malikli] ; BBC Academy, Baku City Circuit, Azərb. Könüllü Təşkilatları İttifaqı. - Bakı: n. y., 2021. - 162 s.
4. Adilov, Nadir. Gəncsən? Başla!: Azərbaycan Universitetinin Elmi Şurasının 14 sentyabr 2017-ci il tarixli (01 №-li protokol) qərarı ilə çap olunmaq üçün tövsiyə edilib /N. Adilov ; red. E. Paşayev ; nəşrə məsul. B. İslamov ; rəssam İ. Quliyev. - Bakı: Kreopak MMC, 2017. – 163 s.