It is an honour to present this report on behalf of our federation. The year 2025 was shaped by profound uncertainty and geopolitical change. The weakening of multilateral institutions, declining and shifting Official Development Assistance (ODA), rising authoritarianism, shrinking civic space, rollbacks on climate commitments, escalating energy insecurity, and enduring conflicts continue to undermine human rights, gender justice, and sustainable development, with disproportionate impacts on women and young people. For ActionAid, these realities are not abstract; they define the context in which we work. Yet they also reinforce the urgency of challenging the structural drivers of injustice and advancing alternative futures rooted in solidarity, dignity, and collective power.
Throughout the year, we witnessed inspiring examples of people-led change, from Afro-descendant women leading social enterprises in Colombia to cross-movement mobilisations for debt and climate justice in Spain. Across the world, young people continued to drive innovation, activism, and democratic participation, harnessing new technologies and organising for change. In an increasingly interconnected world, coalition building and strategic partnerships remain essential. ActionAid continued to work alongside social movements, women’s rights organisations, youth groups, and civil society allies—including the women-led and women’s rights organisations that represent 43% of our 3,800 partners globally.
Grounded in a feminist understanding of power and systemic change, we continued to invest in women- and youth-led movements while strengthening governance, accountability, and transparency across our federation despite an increasingly challenging funding environment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our staff, partners, allies, supporters, and funders around the world. Your commitment, solidarity, and belief in collective action continue to make this work possible. Together, we remain committed to advancing social justice, gender equality, and a more just, equal, and sustainable future for all.