Global activists strengthen solidarity in times of crises

This gathering is not just an event; it is a statement, it is a declaration of our collective resolve against rising authoritarianism and a demonstration of our commitment to challenge injustice.

BANGKOK — Global solidarity takes the center stage in the gathering of over 1,000 activists around the world at the Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand, for the 2025 International Civil Society Week (ICSW).

The international gathering is organized by CIVICUS World Alliance, a global alliance of more than 17,000 civil society organizations and Asia Democracy Network, a regional alliance of more than 300 groups working to advance democratization of governance in Asia. 

“Today, we are facing an inflection point. Anti-rights forces are taking a wrecking ball to the things we worked long and hard to put in place from democratic norms, checks and balances, to sexual and reproductive freedoms,” said Mandeep Tiwana, secretary general of CIVICUS, during the opening plenary. “But we are strong.”

More than 70 percent of the world’s population lives under repressive conditions based on monitoring by CIVICUS. They recorded that civil society is under severe attack in 116 of 198 countries.

Moreover, Gothom Arya from Asian Cultural Forum on Development (ACFOD) said that the gathering is of utmost importance, especially with the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the conflict in Sudan, and the growing economic disparity in the world.

“We are here to share our views, to strengthen our network, and to take up the challenges for our generation and for generations to come,” Arya added. “We are here to declare that another world is possible.”

More than 70,000 deaths have been recorded by Gaza’s Ministry of Health since the relentless bombardment of Israel in October 2023. Nearly 60 percent of the fatalities were children, women, and elderly. These numbers do not include deaths of those under the rubble, mass graves, or killed by indirect causes. 

Despite the peace pact, the bombardment of Israel in Gaza continues. On October 29, Israel carried a deadly airstrike that killed at least 104 Palestinians, killing at least 46 children and 20 women.

Read: From Philippines to Palestine: Resisting rampant rights violations

Rising authoritarianism is seen to threaten civil society amid these crises, especially in Asia. ADN mentioned the cases of Myanmar and Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to extend support and solidarity for their struggles for democracy and humanity.

“This gathering is not just an event; it is a statement, it is a declaration of our collective resolve against rising authoritarianism and a demonstration of our commitment to challenge injustice,” said Ichal Supriadi, secretary general of Asia Democracy Network.

Over 22 million civilians in Myanmar face relentless violence, mass displacement, and collapsing services, while the 2025 country report of Human Rights Watch stated that 23.7 million people in Afghanistan needed urgent humanitarian aid.

“This is the brutal naked reality that we are living through,” Amitabh Behar, executive director of Oxfam International said. “We as civil society cannot continue with business as usual. This is the moment for reimagination.”

The 2025 ICSW is set to conclude on November 4. In the span of four days, the program is structured into eight interconnected tracks with the theme of reimagining democracy, human rights, and inclusion.

The sessions are designed in various formats including workshops, live demonstrations, roundtables and panel discussions, to foster an environment of collaboration and learning. In addition to the main sessions, the in-person experience in Bangkok will be enhanced by on-site exhibits in various formats, and the main event will be accompanied by a wide array of events held locally around the world as well as virtual events aimed at broadening participation. (RVO)

Disclosure: The author is participating in the International Civil Society Week (ICWS) as a Young Journalist Fellow. 

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