The United Nations (UN) passed a resolution on December 2000 declaring that 2001 would be the International Year of Volunteers (IYV). This resolution adopted by the General Assembly was endorsed and co-sponsored by 60 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malta and The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island.

The colours of the ribbon depict the light blue being the Internationally recognised colour of the United Nations Medal and the orange being the colour for the International Year of Volunteer Medal.