About

Global governance built by you. And her. And them.

Purpose Plan Partners

A governance model that evolves with the world

Our world is at a tipping point. The planet is breaking down, inequality is rising, and people everywhere are feeling the pain. Yet governments, tied to outdated systems, are failing to act in the interest of the majority.

• 65%* of people believe their country’s political system needs major reform – or a complete overhaul. 

• Most people agree we need to increase citizens' influence in decision-making.

*Earth for all Survey 2024, G20 Global Report: Attitudes to political and economic transformation, June 2024

The political system isn’t working – that much is clear. But let’s not forget: People built this system, and we can build a new one. Indeed, we already are.

 

A new way forward

We need to step up. Together. 

This isn’t just about reform – it’s about rewriting humanity’s story. By uniting local action with global impact, the GCA is creating opportunities for every one of us to:

Challenge broken systems

Amplify unheard voices

Define clear demands for change

Hold leaders accountable for action

Lead climate action

How it works: A multi-level structure

The GCA operates at multiple levels to make sure everyone can join in, and that it’s fair, and creates impact:

• Civic assembly – A group selected by global nlottery to discuss global challenges and shape decisions.
• Community assemblies – Thousands – eventually millions – engaging locally to generate solutions and drive action.
• Coalition – Governments, UN bodies, and organisations who support and act on assembly recommendations.
• Cultural engagement – A movement using media, influencers, and creative expression to encourage people to get involved.

A digital backbone supporting meaningful change.

Our online platform, Assemblis, is a hub for connection, deliberation and action. Open to all, it ensures that people everywhere – regardless of geography or status – can take part in shaping local and global decisions. 

By linking local action to global impact, we’re redefining how people drive change – flexible, inclusive, and community-led. Together, we’re tackling climate change, reducing inequalities, and building a healthier, fairer world for all.

The journey to a

people-powered future:

A timeline of the Global Citizens’ Assembly

1980s – 2000s

The rise of open and inclusive conversations

The concept of a permanent global citizens’ assembly began forming as part of a “deliberative wave” – a movement pushing for citizen-led decision-making in governance.

Late 2000s

Advocating for a Global Citizens’ Assembly

Scholars and activists made the case for a deliberative global citizens’ assembly where people could explore issues together, arguing it could remedy the democratic deficit, and give ordinary people a voice in global decision-making.

2009

World Wide Views project launches

The World Wide Views project kick-started a new era of global citizen deliberation, testing large-scale public engagement in international policy discussions.

Find out more about World Wide Views.

2021

A new chapter in tackling today’s issues

At COP26 in 2021, the Global Assembly on the Climate and Ecological Crisis was an unprecedented democratic innovation in global governance. It turned theory into action - proving that inclusive citizen deliberation can tackle the toughest issues and forge powerful links between public judgment and official decision-making. On 1st of November 2021, assembly members presented the People’s Declaration, a powerful call for urgent change.

Learn more about GA 2021

2024

Uniting for a new era of global governance



Convened by Iswe Foundation and partners, the Coalition for a Global Citizens’ Assembly is uniting governments and organisations to establish a permanent, citizen-led global assembly – ensuring people everywhere help shape our planet’s future.
 

Find out more about the Coalition

The Assembly is a practical way of showing how we can accelerate action through solidarity and people power.

-António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations