Programme 2025: Civil society in times of uncertainty

2025 marks an exciting new chapter in the Centre’s story as we embark on a new strategic cycle, aimed at strengthening a shareholder community that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected to the people it serves.Together with our partners we are building a future where every community has a voice, challenges are met with innovative solutions, and global collaboration turns today’s obstacles into tomorrow’s achievements.Currently, civil society is facing unprecedented challenges. Shrinking operating space, geopolitical unrest, rising inequality and social divides, the proliferation of anti-rights actors, digital and technological threats, and a fast-changing volatile environment determine our working conditions. At the Centre, we tackle these challenges head-on by collaborating with communities and partners to inform policies, promote equity, and ensure no one is left behind.As a convening organisation, the Centre has – and will continue to – play a key role in supporting the civil society leadership community to tackle and foster new solutions to the ever-growing challenges. We provide safe spaces where sector
leaders can come together to discuss current and common challenges, share learnings, and offer future perspectives on emerging trends.This year, building on our continued leadership support, we will further consolidate our programme initiatives, guided by our new strategy which focuses on three key priority themes:

• Understanding and shaping the futures of International Civil Society Organisations
• Shaping and strengthening civil society’s operating space
• Focusing on the empowerment of civil society partners and marginalised communities

Our dedicated project team oversee several communities of practice. Working collaboratively, they help to tackle and investigate these key priority themes through outcomes focused research, engagement with key stakeholders at community meetings, and cross-cutting collaboration through various knowledge exchanges.We invite you to take part and look forward to collaborating with you through our convenings, offerings, and programme initiatives in this important year. Let’s stay strong, work together and support each other.