April marked a key annual moment for Alianza, to reflect and move forward together.
Our 2026 Members’ Assembly marked another key moment, an annual milestone that brings members together to reflect, decide, and collectively shape the path forward.
Over the past years, Alianza has grown into a network grounded in trust, shared purpose, and long-term commitment to the communities and movements it serves. But what makes the network distinctive is not only what it does, but how it does it.
The Assembly, rather than a top-down decision-making space, was a process unfolded through dialogue, collective reflection, and shared responsibility. Topics were presented transparently, distinguishing what had already been agreed, what required validation, and what still needed deliberation. Members moved between plenary discussions and small-group conversations, ensuring that diverse perspectives could be heard before decisions were made.
This approach reflects a broader practice within Alianza: governance as a living process.
In previous cycles, the Assembly has been part of an ongoing journey in which members engage in discussions around the criteria and responsibilities of member funds, as well as the strengthening and integration of the network. These conversations build on agreements shaped during earlier meetings in Bogotá and Maputo, insights from the Steering Committee, and practical experiences from the Executive Coordination and member funds. The 2025 Assembly also marked the election of a new Steering Committee.
Over the past year, the network has continued this work through a participatory governance review, collectively defining key elements of its internal regulations.
At the heart of these processes lies a shared understanding: that building a collective voice requires both structure and openness. As reflected by Cristi Nozawa, Executive Director of Samdhana Institute, speaking on behalf of the Steering Committee:
“Together, we work in tandem in international spaces, supporting one another and amplifying each other’s messages. We don’t speak for one another, but we share common messages, and that is very important in helping direct more resources to the ground. Working together, we leverage each other’s strengths. What matters most is our shared message: the need to direct more resources to the Global South through funds rooted in movements.”
This balance between autonomy and collaboration is sustained by something less visible, but equally essential: trust.
Trust allows for honest conversations, for disagreement without rupture, and for decisions to be made with transparency and respect. It also enables the network to remain self-critical, continuously asking how it can be more effective, more responsive, and more aligned with the communities it ultimately serves.
“This alliance was born from the South, built on trust and confidence in the importance of our message and that it deserves to be heard.” — Cristi Nozawa
Moments like the Members’ Assembly are part of a larger journey. As Alianza nears its fifth anniversary since its founding, it continues to grow and adapt as a network. In a time characterized by uncertainty and fragmentation, this approach is not accidental – it is a deliberate political choice.
