Siem Reap, Cambodia — 20/03/2026 — Civil society leaders from over 80 countries are gathering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, for the 2026 Forus General Assembly, a unique platform where global civil society comes together to share knowledge, collaborate, and design actionable solutions for today’s most urgent social, environmental, and governance challenges. 

Civil society currently faces one of its toughest moments, with inequalities on the surface , conflicts escalating, climate and planetary crises intensifying, civic freedoms under pressure, and abrupt cuts to development finance. 

These trends reflect a global pushback against the very values civil society defends: solidarity, dignity, equality, diversity and justice. This is a moment when connection and compassion are most needed, and why a strong, united, global civil society—anchored in local realities and connected across borders—is essential. 

Civil society leaders from across Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, the Middle East and the Pacific, are convening in this crucial context to explore issues including navigating shifting global landscapes, strengthening civic spaces, supporting local communities, mobilise climate action, and share innovative ideas on the future of sustainable development financing, and inclusive governance. 

Key sessions will dive into: 

• Global context and emerging trends exploring what is shaping civil society’s influence today: from multilateral spaces to development finance, digital governance, and AI, and identifying key strategic tensions to guide collective action in the present and the years ahead.  

• Local civil society spotlight in collaboration with the Cooperation Committee of Cambodia (CCC), local initiatives, successes, and challenges will be highlighted, offering lessons on how international civil society networks can amplify and learn from local impact.  

• Strengthening civil society in a combined series of interactive sessions, actionable pathways will focus on creating enabling environments by addressing legal protections, digital security, funding gaps, and countering stigmatising narratives, while also defining priorities for sustainable development and development financing.  

The 2026 Forus General Assembly is organised with the support of key international partners, the European Union, Agence française de développement (AFD), and in collaboration with the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC). 

For media accreditation and interview requests, please contact:

 
Clarisse Sih, Forus Digital Communications Coordinator, [email protected]