This side event at FFD4 will spotlight the critical role of civil society in safeguarding transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Co-hosted by CIVICUS, the Ford Foundation, Forus, the TAP Network, and Transparency International, the session will examine how funding cuts, rising military expenditure, and political repression are threatening the viability of civil society and the delivery of SDG 16. Featuring testimony from frontline organisations and high-level stakeholders, the discussion will unpack the consequences of sidelining civic actors in global development processes, while showcasing civil society's resilience and continued leadership in defending public services and anti-corruption efforts. As calls for a more inclusive and rights-based financial architecture grow louder, this event will offer concrete pathways to sustain civil society participation, catalyse collective action, and push back against systemic erosion of democratic accountability.