Declaration of the 2022 Global People’s Assembly Download the full declaration HERE. The press release can be downloaded in English, French and Spanish.

Global Justice to Achieve SDGs:
Sustainable Equality for All

We invite you to the Global People’s Assembly from 20 to 22 September 2022!

Find the Programme 2022 HERE, it is also available in Español and Français.

• Day 1 – 20 September 2022
• Day 2 – 21 September 2022
• Day 3 – 22 September 2022

Join #FlipTheScript stunt

Next year, 2023, will be the mid-way point to achieve the SDGs. If we don’t bring radical changes in the policies, we won’t reach them.

People's Assembly 2022 toolkit

People´s Assemblies on the local and constituency level take place from July - September 2022 leading the bottom-up process toward regional assemblies in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe and culminating in the Global Week of Action from 16 to 25 September 2022.

The 2022 People´s Assemblies TOOLKIT is available here, you can also download it here. It is also available in French and Spanish.

GCAP mobilises to demand an end to the rising poverty and hunger situation arising out of the COVID pandemic, inequalities, climate change and lately the war and inflation, ensuring free and universal vaccination & social protection linking to Agenda 2030. Hashtags:  #PeoplesAssembly #Act4SDGs and #FliptheScript

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Global People's Assembly 2021

The Global People’s Assembly took place from September 21-23 2021. Inputs from the 19 sessions of the Global People´s Assembly and the outcomes of National People´s Assemblies in 28 countries, obtained through bottom-up processes, resulted in a Global People´s Assembly Declaration (also available in Spanish and French). The full recording of the Global People´s Assembly 2021 is available further below, a playlist with clips from Global People´s Assembly 2021 can be found here:   The Global People’s Assembly Objectives:

1. Provide a platform for people’s voices from around the world that can feature at the forefront of the UNGA Summit - including national, constituency and regional People’s Assemblies from around the world.
2. Review the impacts caused by COVID-19. Develop demands and actions -  including for the People’s Vaccine within  the context of the 2030 Agenda. Discuss the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement  and make recommendations.
3. Bring the united voice of the Global People’s Assembly to the UN GA, governments and UN organisations
4. Strengthen the cooperation between CSO networks for civil society actions and people’s movements

The Global People’s Assembly is based on local, constituency and national People's Assemblies – in 28 countries:

• 10 in Africa
• 7 in Asia
• 8 in Latina America and the Caribbean
• 3 in Europe
• 1 Constituency Group

The Global People´s Assembly was coordinated by GCAP  in cooperation with 30 regional and global networks. The Agenda of the Global People´s Assembly can be found here, the recordings in full length are available in the playlist below:

For more information on National People´s Assemblies, visit the main website - peoplesassembly.global, where individuals and organizations were invited to submit additional inputs and where additional resources such as a social media toolkit is available. The main hashtag used: #PeoplesAssembly #Act4SDGs, see also the Trello Board with images.   28 National People´s Assemblies took place in 2021 across four continents:

Asia

Bangladesh - 26 September 2021 National People’s Assembly on SDGs Organised by Noakhali Rural Development Society/ GCAP Bangladesh Download the Agenda of the event here  

Cambodia - 28 September 2021 Civil Society Dialogues/People’s Assembly Organised by Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC)/GCAP Cambodia Download here the result of the People’s Assembly   India - 28 September 2021 National People’s Assembly - bringing together voices from marginalized communities Organised by GCAP India/ Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (WNTA) Download the Charter of Demands here   Nepal - 17-28 September  2021 Global Goals Week with People´s Assembly Organised by NGO Federation of Nepal/ GCAP Nepal Download the concept note of the Global Goals Week here Pakistan - 23 September 2021 People´s Assembly on SDGs Organised by Pakistan Development Alliance/GCAP Pakistan Download the narrative report here   Philippines - 30 September 2021 People´s Assembly Organised by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)/ GCPA Philiipines Read the outcome document here   Sri Lanka - 30 September 2021 People´s Assembly Organised by SUNFO Peoples Movement/GCAP Sri Lanka The charter of demands is available here  

Africa

Ghana - 27 September 2021 People’s Assembly to mark Global Week of Action 2021 Organised by Abibinsroma Foundation/GCAP Ghana Click here to download the final report  

Mauritius - 17 September 2021 National Mobilisation - Global Week of Action 2021 Organised by Halley Movement and Pan-Mauritius Coalition/ GCAP Mauritius Download the final report of the event here   Nigeria - 25 September 2021 National People´s Assembly Organised by NNNGO/GCAP Nigeria Download the narrative report here, the press release here, and an article in a national newspaper here.  

Togo - 13-28 September 2021 Assemblies and workshops in the Global Week of Action 2021 Organised by GCAP Togo Download the narrative report here   Senegal - 22 September 2021 National People´s Assembly Organised by CAAPOST-2015 Senegal/GCAP Senegal Download the outcome report here and the resulting political position paper here.   Kenya - 20-25 September 2021 Global Day of Action and People´s Assembly Organised by Ahadi Achievers Empowerment/GCAP Kenya Download the narrative report here.   Zambia - 21 September 2021 National People´s Assembly for a healthy, green and just recovery in Zambia Organised by Civil Society SDGs Campaign Zambia/ GCAP Zambia Download the progress report here    

Latin America and the Caribbean

  Argentina - 23 September 2021 National People´s Assembly Organised by PAMPA2030/ GCAP Argentina Download the narrative report here   El Salvador - 10 & 11 July 2021 National Encounter/Assembly Organised by Enlaces por la Sustentabilidad/GCAP El Salvador Download the report and declaration of the event here   Guatemala - 27 September 2021 Assembly to assess SDG implementation in Guatemala Organised by Tzuk Kim-pop/ GCAP Guatemala Download the narrative report here   Nicaragua - 28 October 2021 National Assembly Nicaragua Organised by RENICC/ GCAP Nicaragua Download the agenda here and the outcome document here

GCAP Constituency Group

  2020 People's Assemblies

#PeoplesAssembly2020

Resources: Toolkit for the 2020 Virtual People's Assemblies

During the Global Week of Action (18-26 September) People's Assemblies are being held in:

Asia

• Bangladesh - 26 September 2020

National People’s Assembly Organised by GCAP Bangladesh Date: Sept 26, Time: tbc Contact, Abdul Awal @ awal@nrdsbd.org

• Japan - 25 September 2020

· “Vegan SDGs Cake Event” in “Shinjuku Dialogue”, a cafe and meeting space. Discussion mainly targeting LGBTI communities · Workshop on Japan SDGs College. Workers and small farmers will participate among others. Organized by Japan Civil Society Netowrk on SDGs (GCAP Japan) Date: Sept 25, Time: tbc Contact, Masaki Inaba, masaki.inaba@gmail.com

• India - 24 September 2020

National People’s Assembly & Release of the 100 HotSpots Study Organised by Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (GCAP India) Date: 24 September 2020, 2.30 – 4 pm Indian Time Contact, Annie Namala @ annie@cseiindia.org.in

WNTA thematic people's assembly on Climate Action Date: 25 September 2020, 11-12 Indian Time

WNTA thematic people's assembly on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions in Indian Context on the occasion of SDG week of action Date: 23 Sept 3 - 4 pm

• Nepal - 25 September 2020

National SDGs Summit (National People’s Assembly) Organised by NGO Federation of Nepal (GCAP Nepal) Date: Sept 25, 2 pm – 4.30 pm Nepal time Contact, Arjun Bhattarai @ arjun@ngofederation.org - see more info below

• Pakistan - 24 September 2020

National People’s Assembly on SDGs Organised by Pakistan Development Alliance (GCAP Pakistan) Date: Sept 24, 10 am Islamabad time Contact Zia-Ur Rehman @ zia@awazcds.org.pk - see more info below

Charter of Demands: National People’s Assembly on SDGs in Pakistan 

• Philippines- 24 September 2020

People’s Assembly on SDGs and Human Rights: What now with COVID? Organised by GCAP Philippines Date: Sept 24, 4 – 6 pm Manila Time Contact, Beckie Malaya @ beckiemalay@yahoo.com - see more info below

• Sri Lanka - 26 September 2020

People’s Assembly for SDG fifth Anniversary Organised by SUNFO (GCAP Sri Lanka) Date: Sept 26, 9.15 am – 12.15 pm (Colombo Time Contact, Wije @ wije_srilanka@yahoo.com - see more info below

Africa

• Ghana - 25 September 2020
• Kenya - 25 September 2020
• Malawi - 25 September 2020
• Mali - 25 September 2020

• Mauritius - 25 September 2020
• Nigeria - 24 September 2020 - Nigeria 2020 People's Assembly Radio Ad

• Senegal - 24 September 2020

• Tanzania - 25 September 2020
• Uganda - 25 September 2020
• Zambia - 25 September 2020 - Charter of Demands & Press Release
• Zimbabwe - 25 September 2020

Regional

• Regional People’s Assembly on Discrimination based on Work and Descent (DWD)– 22 September 2020 

 

People's Assemblies are also planned in 5 countries in Latin America and 7 countries in Europe.

 

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2019 People's Assembly

24 and 25 September 2019 parallel to the SDG Summit in the Church Center – opposite the UN, New York

People's Assembly Declaration - 25 September 2019 -  EN | ES | FR | IT | SK

#PeoplesAssembly2019 | #StandTogetherNow

Download the People's Assembly Program

While Heads of State met on 24 and 25 September 2019 for the SDG Summit to review the progress of Agenda 2030, 22 partners including GCAP organized a parallel People’s Assembly. The People’s Assembly brought together people’s representatives and civil society from around the world to give grassroots and marginalised people a voice. Most importantly, it was a space for all to jointly analyse the structural reasons for the injustices, act and plan for common future actions to create systemic change to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Civil society plays a key role in advocating and implementing much needed change and to work on the structural causes of poverty and inequalities. However, we are being threatened and civic space to work is dwindling. Civil Society must fight back together and reclaim our space. We are at the crossroads, as inequality has risen to unsustainable levels and climate change is causing incalculable damage. We can implement change or continue with the status quo. We are determined to act to save the planet and humanity, particularly ensure that no one is left behind. To galvanise people’s voice across the world, we organised a Global Week of Action from 20 – 27 September together with partners, with joint mobilizations and mass actions across movements & borders for Voice - Equality - Climate and Environmental Justice - #StandTogetherNow. The main themes of the People’s Assembly were: 

1. Civic Space (voices)
2. Inequalities
3. Climate and Environmental Justice

The objectives of the People’s Assembly were to:

1. Bring the “People’s Voices” to the fore at the SDG Summit
2. Strategize to reclaim civil society space
3. Discuss the implementation of Agenda 2030 and make recommendations for a stronger accountability mechanism
4. Strengthen the cooperation with various CSO networks and INGOs for civil society actions and people’s movement

The Political Declaration was approved by the Heads of State on 24 September 2019. The People’s Assembly has taken the opportunity to make an alternative declaration. 2019 Global People's Assembly Partners:

• Asia Dalits Rights Forum
• FEMNET
• PACJA – Pan African Climate Justice Alliance
• LATINDADD
• Major Group for Children and Youth
• Women's Major Group
• NGO Major Group
• Action for Sustainable Development (A4SD)
• ActionAid
• Bread for the World, Germany
• Gray Panthers
• CPDE – CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness
• CIVICUS
• Forus
• Global Policy Forum
• TAP Network
• Centre for Economic and Social Rights (CESR)
• SDG Watch Europe
• Heinrich Boell Foundation Washington, DC
• Climate, Land, Ambition and Rights Alliance (CLARA)
• Trust Africa

Coordination:

Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP)

Financial contributors:

ActionAid, Bread for the World, Heinrich Boell Foundation Washington, DC, VOICE, EU and contributions from several other of the partners.

Contact

To get in contact with us, please email PeoplesAssembly@gcap.global.

National People’s Assembly, Philippines

Civil Society Groups Demand Urgent Action from Government to End Poverty

15 November 2024: Civil society organizations (CSOs) from across the Philippines convened at the recent National People’s Assembly, urging the government to take immediate and decisive action to tackle the country’s escalating poverty and inequality. With the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the assembly focused on people-centered policies to alleviate the suffering of millions of Filipinos who are struggling with stagnant wages, rising inflation, and underfunded public services.

Read the Report
Download the CSOs’ Demand Charter, Philippines 2024
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National People’s Assembly, Nepal

CSOs’ Spotlight Report and Children Status Report launched 

15 November 2024: The NGO Federation of Nepal (GCAP Nepal) convened the National People’s Assembly on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on 15 September 2024 in Kathmandu ahead of the Summit of the Future. Two reports – the Civil Society Spotlight Report and the Children Status Report on SDGs – were launched during the event. These reports, crafted in partnership with key thematic groups within the Nepal SDGs Forum, present insights into Nepal’s progress and remaining challenges in meeting the SDGs. The event was organized in collaboration with Action4Sustainable Development (A4SD), the European Union (EU), Forus, VSO and World Vision International Nepal.

Read Full report

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Asia Dalit People’s Assembly 2024 

The assembly calls for Social and Economic Justice Across South Asia, emphasizes the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on caste, work and descent

15 November 2024: On September 30, 2024, representatives from Dalit and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka gathered for the Asia Dalit People’s Assembly (ADPA) 2024. The assembly, conducted virtually, aimed to address and confront deeply rooted caste-based and descent-related discrimination that has pervaded societies across South Asia. This meeting, held with participation from over 55 community members, civil society leaders, elected representatives, and activists, concluded with the release of a powerful “Asia Dalit People’s Declaration.” The declaration was collectively adopted by 13 organizations, including the Asia Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF), Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFOD), and the Togetherness in Peace (TIP) movement.

Download the Asia Dalit People’s Declaration here.

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Bangladesh National People’s Assembly

Both the National and Grassroots People’s Assemblies call for urgent action on poverty, inequality and universal social security amid rising economic challenges.

15 November 2024: The Noakhali Rural Development Society (GCAP Bangladesh) organised the Bangladesh National People’s Assembly at the National Press Club, with the support of SDG Action Alliance on 21 September 2024. Themed “Eliminating Poverty and Inequality and Strengthening Universal Social Security,” the assembly addressed the nation’s growing economic disparities and called for stronger, inclusive social protection systems.

Speakers at the event highlighted a significant rise in poverty rates in Bangladesh over the past two years, escalating from 18.7 percent to 20.5 percent. This concerning trend, as experts noted, is exacerbated by a widening economic gap that leaves marginalized communities struggling for basic resources and opportunities.

Read full report here.

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Cambodia National People’s Assembly 2024

GCAP Cambodia hosts National Dialogue to improve social protections in agro-industry

15 November 2024: The Cooperation Committee of Cambodia (CCC) (GCAP Cambodia) hosted the Cambodia National People Assembly on 30-31 October 2024. With a focus on advancing social protection for workers in key agricultural sectors, around 150 participants including representatives from Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the National Social Protection Council (NSPC) and other government bodies attended the event. Representatives from companies, civil society organizations, and worker groups also engaged in discussions at the assembly, themed “National Dialogue on Social Protection.”

Read full report here.

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National People’s Assembly, Pakistan

Civil Society Issues Urgent Charter of Demands ahead of SDG Anniversary, Calls for Action on Rights, Democracy, and Climate Justice

15 November 2024: Ahead of the anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and representatives from marginalized communities across Pakistan gathered at the National People’s Assembly in Islamabad on September 12, 2024. United under a common cause, participants adopted a comprehensive People’s Charter of Demands, urging the government, political parties, and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to address the growing challenges of human rights, democracy, and sustainable development in the country.

Read the Report
Download the Charter of Demands in National People’s Assembly, Pakistan

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Economic Justice Stunts in Asia

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Global People’s Assembly 2024 Kicks Off with Calls for Economic Justice, Climate Action & Reform of the UN Security Council

22 September 2024: The fifth edition of the Global People’s Assembly (GPA) kicked off at the Church Center of the United Nations in New York on 22 September 2024 , with over 400 activists and civil society leaders uniting to address critical global challenges such as economic justice, climate change, and gender equality. The assembly brought together voices from across the globe, building on the momentum of 30 regional and constituency-level gatherings and thousands of community actions worldwide. The assembly, which will continue until 24 September.

The opening plenary, which focused on lessons learned from civil society and people’s movements, featured influential voices from around the world, including Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; Mithika Mwenda from the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance; Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International; Alessandra Nilo of C20 and Gestoes; Faith Mutegi, a young activist from Kenya; and Chenai Mukumba from the Tax Justice Network Africa.

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Session on The Future of Multilateralism: Role of Youth & Intergenerational Engagement on Day 3 of GPA 2024

The session, titled “The Future of Multilateralism: Role of Youth & Intergenerational Engagement,” held on 24 September 2024 during Day 3 of the Global People’s Assembly, emphasized the essential roles of children, adolescents, youth, adults, and older persons in shaping the future of multilateralism. The session explored the benefits of intergenerational collaboration and developed actionable recommendations for increasing the participation of both youth and older persons in global decision-making processes.

The Co-organisers of this session were: Major Group for Children and Youth; the Stakeholder Group on Ageing; Foundation for Studies & Research on Women – FEIM; The Millennials Movement and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty.

Link: https://youtu.be/uVa-gEM16_4 

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Feminist Fishbowl – A Feminist Future Beyond the Pact on Day 2 of GPA 2024

Session on Defending Civic Space and Democracy on Day 2 of GPA 2024

25 October 2024: The session, titled “Defending Civic Space and Democracy: Opportunities and Challenges for Civil Society,” held on 23 September 2024 on Day 2 of the Global People’s Assembly 2024, focused on fostering discussions about civic space on a broad scale—from local to multilateral levels. The session connected activists and CSO representatives from diverse global contexts, creating a platform to share experiences and insights.

The interaction with UN bodies and other global governance mechanisms varies widely, depending on the level of inclusivity within UN frameworks in New York, regional offices (such as the AU, EU, AL, and ASEAN), or at the national level. This session highlighted regional gaps and disparities in inclusivity, fostering a shared understanding of the achievements and challenges faced by civil society in protecting civic space across different regions.

Co-orgnisers of the session includeHeinrich Boell Foundation DC; Major Group of Children and Youth; SDG Watch Europe + European Environmental Bureau; Transparency, Accountability, and Participation (TAP) Network; CIVICUS; Democracy without Borders; REAL DEAL; The Millennials Movement ; Global Call to Action Against Poverty; Reacción Climátic; Plataforma CIPÓ

Link: https://youtu.be/sef8EDe-MJA 

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Strategy Meeting Towards the World Social Summit on Day 2 of GPA 2024

25 October 2024: This session conducted on the second day of the Global People’s Assembly 2024, on 23 September 2024, developed a collective action agenda to address the current gaps in social development. Through a review of both achievements and challenges since the Copenhagen Summit, participants explored solutions to the pressing social issues facing the world today.

The co-organisers included: Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors; ATD 4th World; Christian Blind Mission; NGO Committee for Social Development; Gray Panthers; Major Group of Children and Youth; Global Policy Forum; Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and Global Forum of communities Discriminated on Work and Descent.

Link: https://youtu.be/WWNOA4hw0ig 

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Session on FfD 4 Conference on Day 2 of GPA 2024

25 October 2024: The session – FFD 4 Conference –  was conducted on the second day – 23 September 2024 – of the Global People’s Assembly 2024. The session aimed at providing a historical context to the FfD process, take stock of the first preparatory committee for FfD4 which took place in Addis Ababa in late July and appreciate the progress with the negotiations for a UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation. It is an opportunity to learn more about the civil society proposals for reforming the international financial architecture and explore pathways and strategies for a successful FfD4 outcome.

The session was co-organised by Civil Society Financing For Development Mechanism.

Link: https://youtu.be/mbs4PuFbdrg 

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Session on – Inequalities and Leave No One Behind – on Day 1 of GPA 2024

25 October 2024: The session titled “Inequalities and Leave No One Behind” took place on the first day of the Global People’s Assembly 2024, on 22 September 2024. This session spotlighted storytelling from those who have faced inequalities and are often left behind. Representatives from marginalized communities shared their personal experiences and best practices for addressing discrimination.

Co-organizers of the session included: Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent; LGBTIQ Stakeholder Group; Children and Youth Stakeholder Groups; Oxfam and IT for Change.

Link: https://youtu.be/Dv4G0xyMWso 

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Session on – Pay Up Trillions, not Millions for Climate Finance – on Day 1 of GPA 2024

25 October 2024: The session on – Pay Up Trillions, not Millions for Climate Finance –  was conducted on the first day – 22 September 2024 – of the Global People’s Assembly 2024. It was organised by: Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and the Bread for the World.

The session covered the following topics:

• The impacts of the climate crisis and connection with the Summit Of The Future.
• Who needs to pay up for the mess?
• How to make polluters Pay Up for climate finance?
• Accountability and justice for climate impacts: a view from the global South.
• Accountability and justice for climate impacts: A feminist perspective
• Securing the rights of future generations to a safe and healthy environment
• Reparations from the perspective of human rights – delivering justice to frontline communities
• What needs to happen in Baku, Azerbaijan and beyond?

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Declaration of Africa Regional People’s Assembly 2024

Civil Society Calls for Debt Cancellation, Fair Financial Systems and Climate Finance Accountability

27 September 2024: The Africa Regional People’s Assembly 2024 was conducted virtually on 17 September. In a call to action, African civil society leaders from across the continent have issued the African Declaration for Economic, Social, and Climate Justice, demanding transformative reforms to address debt distress, economic inequalities, and climate challenges.

The Declaration calls for immediate debt cancellation, equitable financial systems, and enhanced representation for African nations in international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. It also demands climate finance accountability from the Global North and urges African leadership in clean energy initiatives.

Read the Declaration of Africa Regional People’s Assembly 2024

Download the Declaration of Africa Regional People’s Assembly 2024 

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Join us at the Global People’s Assembly 2024!

 Click here to register for in person attendance in New York

Click here to register for online attendance on the 22 September

18 September 2024: The Global People’s Assembly 2024 will take place from Sunday, September 22 to Tuesday, September 24 2024. This year, the Assembly will be held in person at the UN Church Centre in New York, with online participation available on the first day.

Interpretation in French and Spanish will be provided for most sessions. Please REGISTER NOW to receive access links for online participation and a confirmation letter for entry to the Church Centre in New York.

The Global People’s Assembly is part of a bottom-up approach, serving as the culmination of constituency, national, and regional People’s Assemblies, where representatives of marginalized and excluded communities, including women, youth, Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (CDWD), along with civil society, come together to discuss critical issues of global justice.

This year, the Assembly will amplify these voices at the Summit of the Future and the UN General Assembly. We will address key UN processes, including climate action, debt, tax, Financing for Development, gender equality, and social justice.

Take part in the actions. Download  the  social media toolkit here.

Context for GPA 2024

The Global People’s Assembly 2024 takes place against the backdrop of a world grappling with multiple interlocking crises. The visionary promises of Agenda 2030, which aimed to address economic, social and climate justice, are at serious risk. According to the United Nations, only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will likely be achieved by 2030, highlighting the failure of global systems to respond adequately to urgent challenges. The Global People’s Assembly 2024 seeks to address these systemic global issues.

Program Overview:

Explore the full program here in English, French and Spanish.

The GPA 2024 Program Overview Highlights the Following Themes:

1. Inputs from the National and Regional Assemblies held before the Global People’s Assembly
2. Climate Finance
3. Inequalities and Social Inclusion
4. Financing for Development (FFD)
5. Global Social Justice and Advocacy Strategies
6. Civic Space and Civil Society Engagement
7. Feminist Economy
8. Peace and Crisis Management
9. Solidarity and Collective Action
10. Youth and Intergenerational Engagement
11. Multilateralism and Global Governance
12. Future Planning and Vision for 2025

This year, the event is co-organized by more than 52 civil society organisations.

For more information please visit: https://www.peoplesassembly.global/en/ 

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Global People’s Assembly 2023, 17 and 18 September 2023 in New York

Global People’s Assembly Declaration 2023

Halfway to Agenda 2030, we are still far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The draft 2023 Political Declaration fails to commit to the urgent action required to accelerate response towards the rising inequalities and poverty, for human rights, gender equality, social justice, peace, and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We demand governments match the political determination and persistence of civil society and activists, in all our diversity. Failure to achieve the SDGs – let alone make significant progress towards them – would be catastrophic for humanity and our planet.

This critical, interlinked Declaration of the 2023 Global People’s Assembly, co-created by over 40 national and regional People’s Assemblies and Global Peoples Assembly co-organizers, in all our diversities, is our shared and collective vision for a human-rights centered, gender transformative, intergenerational change to address the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated, and to accelerate the faltering progress toward the achievement of the SDGs.

Download the declaration here.

Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Regional People’s Assembly Declaration 2023

People of all countries and regions are dealing with serious problems that need quick and determined action. It’s crucial to act urgently to tackle the complex challenges and global issues that could affect how we live our lives.

With the deepening of social, environmental, and economic inequalities caused by a development model based on the plunder and exploitation of peoples and nature, severe setbacks are occurring in human rights such as water, land, food, housing, habitat, and decent work. Additionally, in the territories, socio-environmental conflicts are being exacerbated due to the imposition of mega- projects, the expansion of monocultures, and carbon markets, all of this in complicity between states and transnational corporations.

We condemn authoritarianism, militarization, and the instrumentalization of judicial systems as a method to repress human rights defenders. These disastrous measures that seek to usurp the power of sovereign peoples lead to the closing of civic space and systematic violations of human rights, hindering progressive advancement in expanding rights, strengthening democracy, and consolidating the rule of law.

Read the Declaration here.

Down the Declaration here in English and in Spanish.

Africa Regional People’s Assembly Declaration 2023

We, the participants attending the Africa Regional People’s Assembly online on September 6th, 2023, representing civil society organizations from across Africa to discuss shared concerns about pressing social justice issues on the continent, hereby jointly make the following calls to African governments, the African Union, the United Nations, and the international community: to work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhance pandemic preparedness, address the national debt challenge, ensure social protection, peace and security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Read the Declaration Here.

Download the Declaration in English Here; in French Here.

European People’s Assembly Declaration 2023

As we reach the midway point towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, our aspirations of delivering social justice, upholding human rights, ensuring fair distribution within and between nations, and building an environmentally conscious world for all appear increasingly distant and challenging to attain. Despite the relentless efforts of civil society and activists throughout the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) region, our fundamental political, financial, economic, and social systems face erosion due to austerity measures, xenophobia, conflicts, and lack of political will. These factors lead us to question the feasibility of fulfilling the visionary commitments made in 2015.

We call on UNECE governments to recommit to the pledges they made in 2015. This Regional People’s Assembly Declaration serves as a poignant reminder to policymakers, offering a set of recommendations aimed at advancing progress on the 2030 Agenda in the UNECE region in 9 thematic fields.

Read the Declaration here.

Download the declaration here.

Asia Regional People’s Assembly Declaration 2023

This declaration has been adopted by all the 21 Organising Partners of the Asia People’s Assembly 2023, which was held online on September 5, 2023. Over 100 community members, CSO leaders, elected representatives, politicians and members from UN organisations participated in the Assembly. The declaration was used as input in the Global People’s Assembly 2023 at the SDG Mid-Point in September 2023.

Read the details of the declaration here.
Download the declaration here.

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Children’s Assembly Declaration 2023

Children’s Assembly Unites Young Voices to Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals

A virtual children’s assembly was organised on September 17  2023 as part of the Global People’s Assembly, bringing together over 50 children from 12 nations worldwide. The children’s assembly was organised by GCAP’s partner organisation, Save the Children. The event, held at 9:00 EDT, served as a platform for young minds to voice their opinions on how global leaders can drive the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Children’s Assembly amplified the voices of young advocates inspiring collective action towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Participants highlighted challenges and proposed solutions across themes such as freedom, peace, security, poverty, inequality, climate action, health, green economy and energy.

Their recommendations underscored the urgency of collective action, inclusive policies, and investments in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability to achieve the SDGs.

Read the Children’s Assembly Declaration here.

Download the Declaration here.

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Cambodia

Bangladesh

The National People’s Assembly of Bangladesh convened in September 2023, with attendees representing diverse sectors, including Dalits, women, older people and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD).

Their key demands were as follows:

Investments in Disaster Preparedness and Climate Adaptation:

• Initiatives to improve access to safe drinking water and development of proper sanitation facilities
• Improvement of education quality across the country
• Comprehensive efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
• Investment in critical infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and access to services.
• Prioritization of sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development to benefit all regions.
• Expansion of universal healthcare coverage to ensure access for all citizens.
• Promotion of sustainable farming practices and modernization of agriculture.
• Efforts to combat corruption and strengthen integrity.
• Expansion of access to digital technologies and affordable internet services.
• Protection of the rights and welfare of migrants, both within and outside Bangladesh.

Download the declaration here.

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Pakistan

The National People’s Assembly of Pakistan, held in September 2023, saw participation from a wide spectrum of society, including civil society organisations, NGOs, community-based organisations, political party representatives, media, academia, students, and representatives of socially excluded and minority groups, women’s rights activists, sexual minorities and the older people. Members from organisations such as Pakistan Development Alliance, Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE), Ujala Network, NACG, and Child Rights Movement were also present. They unanimously endorsed a call to meaningfully engage civil society in the decade of action to accelerate SDGs implementation in Pakistan.

Their key demands include:

• Localization of priority SDGs at the district and sub-district level
• Transformation of national and sub-national priority frameworks into action strategies
• Launch of a reliable national data portal against all priority SDGs indicators
• Formation of National SDGs Council comprised of experts from all walks of life
• Allocation of resources to achieve priority SDGs at federal and sub-national levels
• Formulation of new laws and policies to ensure smooth implementation of SDGs

Download the declaration here.

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Nepal

The National People’s Assembly of Nepal took place in September 2023, with participation from individuals representing various sectors, including Dalits, minority communities, women, older people, and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD). Together, they formulated a declaration outlining their demands.

Download the declaration here.

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The Philippines

In September 2023, the youth of the Philippines organised the National People’s Assembly, presenting a charter of demands which include:

• Ensuring quality, accessible and equitable education for all
• Making taxes work for the youth and the people
• Taking decisive climate action
• Combating inequality and promoting gender equality
• Enhancing youth engagement and preserving democratic spaces

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Social Justice Task Force

In September 2023, the Social Justice Task Force of GCAP organised the People’s Assembly, where representatives crafted a draft resolution addressing the Rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent. The Draft Resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing discrimination based on inherited status, such as caste, which undermines human rights and fundamental freedoms. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and various international conventions, the resolution highlights the need for concerted efforts to combat this form of discrimination.

Key points of the resolution include:

• Acknowledgment of discrimination based on work and descent as a distinct form of discrimination affecting communities worldwide.
• Call for Member States to enact measures to eliminate discrimination based on work and descent, including robust data collection and protection of human rights.
• Call for Member States to collaborate with relevant organisations to combat prejudicial beliefs and practices associated with discrimination based on work and descent.
• Requesting the Human Rights Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to support the realisation of the rights of affected communities through financial and technical assistance.

By addressing these issues, the resolution seeks to uphold the principles of equality and human rights for all individuals, regardless of their inherited status.

Download the Draft Resolution on the Rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent here.

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National People’s Assembly Declarations of Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region

Read the National People’s Assembly Declarations of LAC Region Here:
Colombia
Guatemala
Paraguay
El Salvador
Dominican Republic

National People’s Assembly Declarations of Africa

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso People’s Assembly 2023 Declaration: https://gcap.global/…/Burkina-Faso-National-Peoples…

On September 17, 2023, civil society and people’s representatives of Burkina Faso united at the National People’s Assembly and declared their commitment to a future where no one is left behind.

Key Demands:

• Accelerate efforts for territorial integrity restoration and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons.

• Mitigate vertical and horizontal inequalities.

• Enhance technical and vocational training, providing professional opportunities for the youth.

• Implement policies for environmental protection, sustainable development, and clean energy promotion.

• Strengthen agro-salvo-pastoral production and transformation.

#Act4SDGs #LeaveNoOneBehind #PeoplesAssembly

Botswana

Declaration of The Botswana People’s Assembly 2023: https://gcap.global/…/Botswana-National-Peoples…

Kenya

Malawi

Mali

Niger

Rwanda

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Full Programme for the Global People’s Assembly 2023
on 17-18 Sept

The programme for the Global People’s Assembly 2023 is now available in: English, French and Spanish.

The Global People’s Assembly is a platform for citizens worldwide that come together to discuss pressing global issues, share perspectives and demand accountability for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from their governments. In a world facing complex challenges, this Assembly emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a stage for civil society organizations, activists, marginalized groups, experts, and concerned citizens to join forces and amplify their voices. It is organised by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), and co-organised by 60 other civil society organisations.

For more updates and information, visit the website at peoplesassembly.global .

Global People’s Assembly 2023 on 17th-18th of September, in New York

The Global People’s Assembly 2023 will be on 17 (Sunday) and 18 September (Monday) in New York – at the UN SDG Summit and the UN General Assembly. To register and stay updated, visit the website at: peoplesassembly.global 

The Global People’s Assembly (GPA) brings people’s representatives together and creates a strong voice at the SDG Summit for the midpoint of Agenda 2030. The assembly will be in-person in the Church Centre of the UN (opposite the UN), with 300 participants expected. Participants can also join online — we look forward to 2000 participants joining virtually, from across the world.

The GPA is the culmination of community and national People’s Assemblies in 35 countries and counting, where representatives of marginalised and excluded groups and civil society monitored and discussed the SDG implementation. Its objective is to bring civil society together and ensure that governments uphold their commitments, including the overarching principle of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs: to Leave No One Behind. This is a key opportunity for all participants to review the structural reasons for social, environment and economic injustice and to move towards ending inequalities.

The Global People’s Assembly was started in 2019, and has since grown stronger. The assembly is co-organised by 50 civil society networks. Everyone is invited to participate. To learn more, read the concept note here, and read the Global People’s Assembly 2022 Declaration here.

People’s Assembly 2023 Toolkit

As part of the Global Week to #Act4SDGs, on 10 to 25 September 2023, GCAP mobilises at the SDG Mid-Point to demand an end to poverty and hunger, extreme inequalities, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, climate change, inflation and the wars – and to demand global justice including universal social protection, tax and debt justice.

Peoples’ Assemblies are

1. Organised by communities, constituency groups and wider civil society at local and sub-national level. 
2. Representatives present their perspectives at national, regional and global levels. 
3. An avenue for participants to identify their own issues and concerns; analyse the structural causes; discuss and develop a set of demands; and then devise joint steps to address these demands.

To learn more about organising People’s Assemblies and make our voices as civil society stronger, download the toolkit here:

[English] TOOLKIT – People’s Assembly 2023 ,

[Spanish] TOOLKIT – People’s Assembly 2023 and

[French] TOOLKIT – People’s Assembly 2023.

Declaration of the 2022 Global People’s Assembly Download the full declaration HERE. The press release can be downloaded in English, French and Spanish.

Global Justice to Achieve SDGs:
Sustainable Equality for All

Seven years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals — nearly halfway to the Agenda 2030 Deadline — the visionary promise of social justice and a fair, rights–based, equitable and ecologically–just world for all appears more remote than ever, despite the hard work and best efforts of civil society and dedicated activists across the globe. The political, financial, economic and social architecture — as well as the individuals who lead these systems — is failing us. Rising food and energy prices, loss of livelihoods, climate change, environmental degradation, war and critical gaps in healthcare — including inequities in the fight against COVID–19 — are pushing excluded people to the margins and making our planet uninhabitable. Austerity, the lack of universal social protection, descent–based discrimination and slavery, violence and the deterioration of civic space exacerbate inequalities and exclusion. All the while, elite private interests profit. Youth and old fear for the world we now inhabit and bequeath to future generations, while the rich and powerful use their resources to maintain their privilege. At the current pace, unless there is radical change, the world will not meet its 2030 SDG commitments until 20651 and it will take nearly 300 years to achieve
gender equality. We the People are 1,300 civil society participants from 127 countries representing diverse, excluded and marginalized people, testifying to the current state of injustice as global leaders gather for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. We have solutions to the current unjust, unequal and extractivist systems and our voices must be heard. This declaration of the 2022 Global People’s Assembly has been developed with the input of more than 30 national and regional people’s assemblies. [The above is the first section of the Declaration of the 2022 Global People’s Assembly which carries the title: Global Justice to Achieve SDGs: Sustainable Equality for All. Read the full declaration available in English.

We invite you to the Global People’s Assembly from 20 to 22 September 2022!

Find the Programme 2022 HERE, it is also available in Español and Français.

Each day has a separate invitation link, all registration links are also available directly in the annotated program available above:

• Day 1 – 20 September 2022
• Day 2 – 21 September 2022
• Day 3 – 22 September 2022

People´s Assemblies on the local and constituency level take place from July – September 2022 leading the bottom-up process toward regional assemblies in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe and culminating in the Global Week of Action from 16 to 25 September 2022.

The Global #PeoplesAssembly is part of the Global Week of Action #Act4SDGs from 16 to 25 September. Thousands of organisations and individuals are active during the week to demand the implementation of the SDGs from their governments. Learn more by visiting the Act4SDGs website. Peoples’ Assemblies are planned in 27 countries by GCAP coalitions – 15 in Africa, 6 in Asia, 5 in Latin America and the Caribbean and 1 in Europe. Learn about how to participate by checking out this People’s Assembly Toolkit. These assemblies organised at the national level will give inputs into the regional and constituency assemblies as part of the Global People’s Assembly. The impact of Covid is still strong in many countries – especially because of vaccine inequality. The debt crisis has led to austerity when increased spending in the social sector is needed. The high inflation of food and energy – further aggravated by the war against the Ukraine – and the increased impact of climate change have resulted in more people living in poverty and hunger than before.

Join #FlipTheScript stunt

Next year, 2023, will be the mid-way point to achieve the SDGs. If we don’t bring radical changes in the policies, we won’t reach them.

Therefore, we call upon all of you to passionately mobilise in the Global Week of Action – let’s globally unite with the FliptheScript Stunt! Find more information on the Stunt here. Invite your community. Feel free to share this information to your circles of influence. We hope to get good outreach and many participants for this important event!

People’s Assembly 2022 toolkit

People´s Assemblies on the local and constituency level take place from July – September 2022 leading the bottom-up process toward regional assemblies in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe and culminating in the Global Week of Action from 16 to 25 September 2022.

The 2022 People´s Assemblies TOOLKIT is available here, you can also download it here. It is also available in French and Spanish.

 GCAP mobilises to demand an end to the rising poverty and hunger situation arising out of the COVID pandemic, inequalities, climate change and lately the war and inflation, ensuring free and universal vaccination & social protection linking to Agenda 2030. Hashtags:  #PeoplesAssembly #Act4SDGs and #FliptheScript

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Global People’s Assembly 2021

The Global People’s Assembly took place from September 21-23 2021. Inputs from the 19 sessions of the Global People´s Assembly and the outcomes of National People´s Assemblies in 28 countries, obtained through bottom-up processes, resulted in a Global People´s Assembly Declaration (also available in Spanish and French). The full recording of the Global People´s Assembly 2021 is available further below, a playlist with clips from Global People´s Assembly 2021 can be found here:   The Global People’s Assembly Objectives:

1. Provide a platform for people’s voices from around the world that can feature at the forefront of the UNGA Summit – including national, constituency and regional People’s Assemblies from around the world.
2. Review the impacts caused by COVID-19. Develop demands and actions –  including for the People’s Vaccine within  the context of the 2030 Agenda. Discuss the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement  and make recommendations.
3. Bring the united voice of the Global People’s Assembly to the UN GA, governments and UN organisations
4. Strengthen the cooperation between CSO networks for civil society actions and people’s movements

The Global People’s Assembly is based on local, constituency and national People’s Assemblies – in 28 countries:

• 10 in Africa
• 7 in Asia
• 8 in Latina America and the Caribbean
• 3 in Europe
• 1 Constituency Group

The Global People´s Assembly was coordinated by GCAP  in cooperation with 30 regional and global networks. The Agenda of the Global People´s Assembly can be found here, the recordings in full length are available in the playlist below:

For more information on National People´s Assemblies, visit the main website – peoplesassembly.global, where individuals and organizations were invited to submit additional inputs and where additional resources such as a social media toolkit is available. The main hashtag used: #PeoplesAssembly #Act4SDGs, see also the Trello Board with images.   28 National People´s Assemblies took place in 2021 across four continents:

Asia

Bangladesh – 26 September 2021 National People’s Assembly on SDGs Organised by Noakhali Rural Development Society/ GCAP Bangladesh Download the Agenda of the event here

Cambodia – 28 September 2021 Civil Society Dialogues/People’s Assembly Organised by Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC)/GCAP Cambodia Download here the result of the People’s Assembly   India – 28 September 2021 National People’s Assembly – bringing together voices from marginalized communities Organised by GCAP India/ Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (WNTA) Download the Charter of Demands here   Nepal – 17-28 September  2021 Global Goals Week with People´s Assembly Organised by NGO Federation of Nepal/ GCAP Nepal Download the concept note of the Global Goals Week here Pakistan – 23 September 2021 People´s Assembly on SDGs Organised by Pakistan Development Alliance/GCAP Pakistan Download the narrative report here   Philippines – 30 September 2021 People´s Assembly Organised by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)/ GCPA Philiipines Read the outcome document here   Sri Lanka – 30 September 2021 People´s Assembly Organised by SUNFO Peoples Movement/GCAP Sri Lanka The charter of demands is available here

Africa

Ghana – 27 September 2021 People’s Assembly to mark Global Week of Action 2021 Organised by Abibinsroma Foundation/GCAP Ghana Click here to download the final report

Mauritius – 17 September 2021 National Mobilisation – Global Week of Action 2021 Organised by Halley Movement and Pan-Mauritius Coalition/ GCAP Mauritius Download the final report of the event here   Nigeria – 25 September 2021 National People´s Assembly Organised by NNNGO/GCAP Nigeria Download the narrative report here, the press release here, and an article in a national newspaper here.

Togo – 13-28 September 2021 Assemblies and workshops in the Global Week of Action 2021 Organised by GCAP Togo Download the narrative report here   Senegal – 22 September 2021 National People´s Assembly Organised by CAAPOST-2015 Senegal/GCAP Senegal Download the outcome report here and the resulting political position paper here.    Kenya – 20-25 September 2021 Global Day of Action and People´s Assembly Organised by Ahadi Achievers Empowerment/GCAP Kenya Download the narrative report here.   Zambia – 21 September 2021 National People´s Assembly for a healthy, green and just recovery in Zambia Organised by Civil Society SDGs Campaign Zambia/ GCAP Zambia Download the progress report here

Latin America and the Caribbean

Argentina – 23 September 2021 National People´s Assembly Organised by PAMPA2030/ GCAP Argentina Download the narrative report here   El Salvador – 10 & 11 July 2021 National Encounter/Assembly Organised by Enlaces por la Sustentabilidad/GCAP El Salvador Download the report and declaration of the event here   Guatemala – 27 September 2021 Assembly to assess SDG implementation in Guatemala Organised by Tzuk Kim-pop/ GCAP Guatemala Download the narrative report here   Nicaragua – 28 October 2021 National Assembly Nicaragua Organised by RENICC/ GCAP Nicaragua Download the agenda here and the outcome document here

GCAP Constituency Group

Global – 22  September 2021 People´s Assembly of CDWD Organised by Social Justice DWD Task Force The recording of the event can be found here

  2020 People’s Assemblies