A message from Lysa John, Secretary-General of CIVICUS
Dear CIVICUS members and allies,
As we bid farewell to a remarkable year, I am inspired as we reflect on the growth of the CIVICUS Alliance. I would like to take a moment to highlight what we achieved and learned together and priorities for the coming year.
The 2017-2022 Strategic Plan Review earlier in the year demonstrated that CIVICUS has not only embraced the lessons learned but we have continuously strived for a higher standard for global impact. Through our 2017 -2022 Strategic Plan delivery, we produced timely and world-class knowledge and analysis. By shifting from retrospective research to up-to-date data analysis on global events, we established ourselves as leaders and trusted partners in the sector.
Our new 2022-27 Strategic Plan has led to a review and optimisation of our internal coherence and external impact, including a review of the key work streams led by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The newly restructured five-member SLT will lead the priorities underpinned by our 2022-27 Strategic Plan.
We are proud to announce that our 2023 Annual Report clearly shows CIVICUS's progress against the new strategy. Noteworthy headlines from the report include the increasing utilization of knowledge generated by the CIVICUS Monitor and Lens to influence public discourse. Our advocacy efforts have evolved into sustained and networked approaches, and for example, the #StandAsMyWitness Campaign has helped free 15 human rights defenders from imprisonment. We also pleased to share that CIVICUS was recognised as the top-ranking organisation in the annual FAIR SHARE for Women Leaders Monitor.
Remaining steadfast in our mission, we launched several initiatives this year aimed at strengthening civil society participation and civic freedoms. These include the WeRise Campaign focused on freedom of peaceful assembly, the Local Leadership Labs project strengthening the local civil society ecosystem, and the Digital Democracy Initiative promoting local, inclusive democratic space in the digital age. Additionally, our UN office in New York is working on the UnMute Civil Society campaign advocating for better civil society participation at the UN.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to host the Graca Machel-Nelson Mandela Innovation Awards in 2024 and International Civil Society Week (ICSW) in 2025. Watch out for more information on these exciting events on our platforms!
While we navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world, the CIVICUS Alliance remains dedicated to its mission of strengthening citizen action globally. Our achievements this year are reflective of our collective resilience and unwavering commitment to positive change.
Thank you for your continued support, we wish you a joyful end to this year and a refreshing start to 2024!
In solidarity,
Lysa John (LinkedIn)