International Civil Society Week

• From Crisis to Collective Action: A Message from CIVICUS Co-Secretary Generals

  A message from Interim Co-Secretary Generals, Claire Nylander and Mandeep Tiwana   

  Dear CIVICUS members,partners and allies

  A lot hastranspired in the first few months of2025.Even as authoritarian populists and their hardline supportershave made seriousattempts to undermine the quest forpeace, justice, equality, social cohesion andenvironmental sustainability, civil society resistance is hard at work.We may be living in times of hateful warmongering, unendinggreed and casual crueltybut history shows us that ultimately truthtriumphs and mightdoesn’t make right. 

  Many of usin civil societyhave been negativelyimpacted by abrupt funding cuts andabout turnsinpublic policy. In response, CIVICUS has joinedanopen letter to allies and supportersurging supportforlocal civil society actors,reimagininginternational development by addressing structural imbalances andbuilding a new culture of global solidarity thatrecognises the contributions of civil society.The letterhighlights howcurrent international aid cuts are a part of a deeper crisis in the system thatputspolitical cycles ahead of community needs andmarginalises local leadership.The letter callson decision makersto shift power andfund differently.Do sign the letter if you can. 

  In line with our members’ feedback, we are continuing oursolidarityseries on shifting resourcing landscapes. The series which began in Marchthis yearwith reflections on theCIVICUS survey and the importance of non-financial resources, continued in April with a panel discussion on responding to funding cutswhileexploringalternative models like community philanthropy. These monthly gatherings are open spaces for connection, idea-sharing and mutual support. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for21 May,18 June and23 July. Join us andlet’s build resilience together. 

  The 2025 State of Civil Society Report  

  The recently published2025State of Civil Society report paints a vivid picture of a world faced with deepening crises fromthe breakdown of the rules based international order amidthe inhumanity ofwars inGaza, Sudan and Ukraine, state capture of institutions by oligarchs in the US and beyond,undermining of democraticnorms andthe rise ofauthoritarianism,attacks on sexual and reproductive freedoms by anti-rights forcesandclimate inaction driven byavarice.Against this backdropof intensifying challenges, the report highlightshow civil society continues topush for change through strategic litigation,mass mobilisation and international solidarity referencing eventsinplaces as diverse asBangladesh, Greece,Guatemala,Kenya andSouth Korea.The report underscores the urgent need to reimagine civil society to better withstandcontemporary challenges. It calls for adopting a movement mindset and enhancedfocus onpublic facingnarrativeswith a shift towards community engagement, sharedleadership and authenticallyequitable partnerships.  

  Key updates from our Teams  
  We are excited to announce thelaunch of the Protest Lab, a new initiative under the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly (FoPA) workstream aimed at reimagining and strengtheningthe right topeaceful protest. This global hub will bring together activists, artists, and changemakers. The Lab is open to members from the Global South, with a strong emphasis on youth and frontline actors. Read more here.

  
  CIVICUS was also active at the83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)from2-22 Mayin Banjul. Our focus included defending civic space, supporting human rights defenders under the#StandAsMyWitness campaign, spotlightingtheDemocraticRepublic oftheCongo, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. We engaged with commissioners and co-hosting discussions on civic space monitoring. Read our advocacy prioritieshere. 

  The newDigital Democracy Initiative's synthesis report examines how civil society is negotiating the digital age in sixdifferent parts of the world,encountering both opportunity and oppression. From innovative digital participation in East Asia to censorship inMiddle-East and North Africa (MENA), the report highlights the diverse realities shaping digital democracy today. Itprovides practical advice for enhancing inclusive democracy and bolstering civil society's digital capabilities.  

  ENSURED’s new research report co-authored by CIVICUS Senior Research Specialist, Inés Pousadela and Researcher, Samuel King, examines the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and its support mechanisms, highlighting the growing challenges that threaten the Council’s credibility and impact. These include membership by persistent human rights violators, the lack of enforcement of human rights standards, reduction in accessfor civil society, and acute financial shortages.  

  As we count down toInternational Civil Society Week (ICSW) 2025, we do so with purpose and anticipation. From1–5 November in Bangkok, ICSW will be a space to reconnect, celebrate citizen action, and co-create bold solutions for democracy, rights, and inclusion. This year’s theme,“Celebrating Citizen Action: Reimagining Democracy, Rights, and Inclusion for Today’s World,” encourages us toact on our aspirations.To help shape theevent, we invite you tosubmit your session ideashere.  

  In solidarity and gratitude, 

  Claire Nylander and Mandeep Tiwana