Logistics
Date & Time: Friday April 10, 2026 | 2:00 PM CET / 4:00 PM EAT
Online Platform: Zoom (will be livestreamed on GDC YouTube channel)
Co-hosting Organizations: Alma Civica, Global Democracy Coalition
Livestream Details: Coming Soon!
Background
Across the Americas, democratic actors are navigating increasing pressure. In addition to political challenges such as shrinking civic space, polarization, disinformation, and violence, organizations are also facing significant structural constraints linked to changes in the global funding landscape.
Recent reductions in development and democracy assistance, particularly from the United States, combined with similar trends among other governments, are reshaping the operational realities of civil society organizations across the region. These shifts affect the ability of democratic actors to sustain programs, protect civic space, and support citizen participation.
At the same time, these constraints are prompting new forms of adaptation. Across the Americas, organizations are exploring alternative funding models, strengthening regional collaboration, and developing innovative approaches to sustain democratic action under more constrained conditions.
This webinar approaches the funding challenge not only as a constraint, but as a moment of transition. It explores how democratic actors in the Americas are moving from dependency toward greater resilience, and what this means for the future of democratic renewal in the region.
The discussion will generate practical insights that feed directly into the 2026 GDC Americas Regional Forum, particularly the sessions on civic innovation, coalition-building, and democratic renewal.
Objectives
- Examine how shifts in international funding are affecting democratic actors and civic space across the Americas.
- Analyze the risks these changes pose to participation, accountability, and democratic innovation.
- Highlight adaptive strategies being developed by organizations in the region to ensure sustainability and independence.
- Explore how regional collaboration and coalition-building can strengthen resilience in a changing funding environment.
- Capture lessons to inform the Americas Regional Forum discussions on innovation, civic action, and democratic renewal.
Speakers / Experts Profiles
Coming soon!