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The International Civil Society Week (ICSW) which gathered over 1,000 civil society leaders from around the world called on governments and multilateral institutions to defend democracy and civic freedoms. 600 signatories have signed the declaration, including renowned international organisations like Oxfam and Greenpeace as well as hundreds of grassroots changemakers from around the world.

ICSW was held in Bangkok, Thailand, co-hosted by CIVICUS, a global alliance of 17,000 members, and Asia Democracy Network (ADN).

“Our call for a more just, equal and democratic future is urgent. Heads of state and the international community must respond,” the declaration reads.

“We call on governments, international institutions and fellow civil society organisations to stand up and uphold democracy and civic freedoms. Democracy is vital because it gives people power, enabling them to shape their societies. Civic freedoms – the rights to assembly, association and expression – allow people to demand change and hold those in power to account.”

Mandeep Singh Tiwana, Secretary General of global civil society alliance CIVICUS, said:

“Today, we are united in our commitment to forge new pathways for democracy and people’s participation. People power and inclusion are not optional. They are fundamental to our common humanity and should be non-negotiable in overcoming the immense and interrelated challenges facing our world today. Those who hold power should respect this fact.”

The declaration has been released at a time when civic freedoms are being curtailed in most countries, with the right to peaceful protest coming under attack along with weaponisation of laws to limit freedom of speech and persecute dissenters.

It calls for four key areas for action: protecting and advancing democracy and good governance, unconditionally respecting human rights, ensuring environmental protection and climate justice, and protecting the rights of minorities and excluded groups. Key indicators are outlined for governments and global institutions to deliver.

The declaration also calls on civil society to reimagine its own work in these unprecedented times. It underlines the essential role of civil society in defending democracy and human rights.

Alongside ICSW, an assembly of youth came together to demand a collective cross-border movement for justice and rights, flexible funding for youth and grassroots changemakers, safe and inclusive digital spaces, transformative platforms and narratives for resistance, and an equitable intergenerational partnership.

ICSW is the world’s pre-eminent gathering of civil society organisations and activists and is being held from 1-5 November. The event provides an open space for civil society organisations, activists, human rights defenders, journalists, academics, labour organisers, and allies for discussion, collaboration, innovation, and action. Topics for discussion range from climate justice to disability rights to artificial intelligence to protecting democracy, protest, and freedom of expression.

“This gathering was not just an event. It was a demonstration of our collective resolve against rising authoritarianism and a demonstration of our commitment to challenge injustice. Together, we reaffirm our mission to promote and defend democracy, irrespective of the obstacles we face. It’s time for urgent action now from governments around the world, United Nations, and global institutions,” said Ichal Supardi, Secretary General of ADN.