2025 was a year marked not only by deepening crises, but also by a growing struggle over the values that shape our world. Across regions, we witnessed rising geopolitical polarisation, the continued erosion of multilateral cooperation, and the expansion of anti-rights groups that misuse religion to justify exclusion, inequality, and division. These trends are interconnected and are increasingly reshaping systems in ways that challenge justice, solidarity, and collective action.
A defining priority for ACT Alliance in 2025 was the continued advancement of localisation. Our membership reaffirmed its commitment to shifting power, resources, and decision-making closer to communities. Central to this effort was the Rapid Response Fund, which has emerged as a defining mechanism of the Alliance enabling timely, locally-led responses across diverse contexts, from small to medium-scale emergencies. More than a funding tool, it reflects a broader shift towards trust, legitimacy, and the recognition of local leadership as essential to effective humanitarian action.
At the global level, ACT actively contributed to shaping policy debates on the future of humanitarian action. Through our engagement in the Panel on the Future of Humanitarian Action, convened by ODI Global and NEAR, we supported the development of a shared vision for a more inclusive, accountable, and locally grounded humanitarian ecosystem. Our contributions through vision-setting, policy engagement, and dialogue with key government donors across Europe emphasised the importance of localisation, while reaffirming the need for a strong and functional multilateral system. Central to this work was a renewed focus on legitimacy: recognising the critical role of local and faith-based actors in building trust and delivering impact.
ACT Alliance also expanded its engagement beyond traditional humanitarian and development spaces. Through participation in the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Faith in Action, we brought ethical and values-based perspectives into global discussions on issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and economic justice. In a world increasingly divided, this engagement reflects our commitment to advancing moral frameworks that promote inclusion, social cohesion, and collective well-being across sectors.
We also strengthened partnerships not only within the faith-based community, but also with secular movements and institutions, particularly in advancing gender justice and climate action. Recognition by the United Nations system, including invitations to participate in key human rights and policy platforms, reflects the value of our collective voice and the relevance of our work in today’s complex landscape.
Yet, this progress unfolded within an increasingly challenging environment. The rise of regressive narratives continues to affect all areas of our work, from the rollback of gender rights and increasing violence against women, to climate denial, and the growing discrimination faced by people on the move. These forces are not only dividing societies; they are weakening the very foundations of multilateralism and collective responsibility.
In response, ACT Alliance strengthened its role as both a prophetic and practical actor combining principled advocacy with concrete action at community level. Across our programmes, we worked to resist exclusionary narratives, amplify rights-based approaches, and ensure that our efforts translated into meaningful improvements in the daily lives of the communities we serve.
Despite a difficult global funding landscape, marked by significant reductions in aid and shifting political priorities, the Alliance demonstrated resilience. In a context where humanitarian needs continued to rise while available resources remain constrained, we recognised the urgency of a more sustainable and equitable funding model. Through early strategic adjustments, transparent engagement with our membership, and a commitment to co-creation, we navigated these challenges while sustaining our impact. More importantly, we have continued to identify and create new opportunities, adapting to change while remaining anchored in our values.
As we look ahead to 2026, our path is clear. We must continue to defend and reimagine a multilateral ecosystem that is fair, inclusive, and functional. We must deepen partnerships across sectors, bringing together faith actors, civil society, governments, and the private sector to co-create solutions that reflect our shared humanity. And we must remain steadfast in our commitment to combining action with advocacy, ensuring that our voice continues to speak for justice, dignity, and solidarity.
