Dear Colleagues,

2025 has been a deeply turbulent year. The Trump 2 government has massively weakened the already fragile international cooperation – including the UN and SDGs – while promoting powerful corporate actors owned by billionaires. At the same time, wars and violent conflicts have continued to devastate lives and societies, with the wars in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine and in Gaza. Global Solidarity became less when it was needed more than ever.

A year of summits: Between hopes and frustrations

Against this backdrop, 2025 was marked by a dense calendar of global summits — from the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) in June to the World Social Summit and COP30 in November. These moments raised expectations that governments would finally respond to the debt crisis, inequality, social injustice and climate breakdown. There were elements of hope: strong recognition of universal social protection, public services and climate justice. Yet frustration prevailed. Political declarations remained weak, concrete commitments and financing were lacking, and Global North countries repeatedly blocked the systemic reforms urgently needed to address inequality, debt, fragile social protection system and climate injustice. The gap between rhetoric and reality was once again laid bare.

GCAP: Mobilising, connecting and advocating

In this challenging context, GCAP was highly active throughout the year, playing a strong role in mobilising civil society and advancing coordinated advocacy across these summits. We campaigned for global economic justice mobilisations around FfD4, convened People’s Assemblies and used multiple advocacy spaces at the World Social Summit and worked for a powerful justice-centred presence at COP30. GCAP helped amplify grassroots and marginalised voices, connect struggles across issues and regions and keep demands for accountability, equity and rights firmly on the global agenda.

Collective strength

We extend our deep thanks to activists and civil society – from grassroots organisations to national coalitions and partners – for their commitment, courage and solidarity throughout this demanding year. As we look toward 2026, we do so with renewed determination to strengthen alliances, deepen mobilisation and continue pushing for systemic change — for social, economic and climate justice for all.

We wish everyone happy holidays and a peaceful 2026!

In Solidarity

GCAP Co-Chairs

Barry Aminata Touré        Georgina Muñoz Pavon       Arjun Kumar Bhattarai