The multilateral system is facing its most serious crisis in 80 years. Growing nationalist and polarized movements are actively working to undermine global institutions by exploiting democratic systems, yet there is a lack of coordinated response to effectively counter these movements.

In this episode, we are joined by Giancarlo Summa, researcher and former Director of the UN information centers in Brazil, Mexico, and West Africa, to explore the impact of these attacks, the motivations behind them, and the implications for international cooperation. Despite the scale of the challenge, there are ways to push back. By recognizing the threat, strengthening alliances, and adapting strategies, the multilateral system can become more resilient and continue driving global progress.

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In this episode, Karima Cherif, UNRISD Head of Communications and Outreach, speaks with Dr. Lata Narayanaswamy, Associate Professor in the Politics of Global Development at the University of Leeds. They unpack the evolution of anti-gender movements and how they co-opt the language of human rights and development to legitimize regressive, exclusionary agendas in global policy spaces.

Dr. Narayanaswamy illustrates how anti-gender actors position themselves as defenders of religious freedom and the “global South,” while simultaneously undermining gender and LGBTQIA+ rights. She discusses the sophisticated discursive strategies these movements employ—blending academic authority, institutional participation, and populist storytelling to gain influence. By tracing the colonial continuities underpinning contemporary anti-gender ideologies, this episode calls for a decolonial, justice-driven reimagining of rights and development that challenges inequality at its roots and reclaims the narrative space.

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Who is funding the backlash against women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights in Europe, and why? In this episode, we sit down with Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, to unpack the financial networks fueling anti-gender movements. Drawing from his groundbreaking report Tip of the Iceberg, Neil reveals the key players, funding mechanisms, and ideological motivations behind these well-coordinated efforts. We also discuss his forthcoming publication The Next Wave and explore strategies for mobilizing progressive change to push back against the rise of anti-gender and illiberal movements across Europe.

Profile photo (c) Ludvík Hradilek, Deník N

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In this episode, Anna Eknor Ackzell, UNRISD Research Analyst, speaks with Dr. Haley McEwen, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Gothenburg and Research Associate of the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, whose expertise focuses on the influence of the US Christian right on global anti-gender movements. They delve into the financial and political forces driving these movements, particularly in Africa, and explore how religious-right groups mobilize against LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive justice, and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).

Dr. McEwen provides a nuanced perspective on the role of North American funding and narratives, addressing the disproportionate financial power of anti-gender movements in comparison to progressive ones. The conversation also challenges the idea of Africa as a "homophobic continent," offering insights into the geopolitical dynamics shaping the region’s gender and sexuality politics.

This episode underscores the importance of understanding these funding flows and explores resistance strategies to better navigate the global backlash in defense of gender justice.

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In this episode, UNRISD Director Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona speaks with Dr Ayesha Khan, Senior Research Fellow at ODI Global, a leading global affairs think tank, who specialises in the global backlash against gender equality. They discuss how patriarchal norms fuel this conservative phenomenon, linking anti-feminist movements to broader anti-rights agendas affecting, amongst others, LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive health, and democracy.

Dr Khan highlights the growing influence of religious groups, their financial backing, and how these forces shape policies across the global South. The conversation considers a wide range of affected regions, including Latin America, Africa and Central Asia. Ayesha also explores the role of US politics, particularly the resurgence of anti-gender policies, and the funding crisis threatening feminist movements worldwide.

The exchange underscores the urgent need for global feminist alliances, grassroots engagement, and stronger multilateral support to counteract these setbacks and defend inclusive social progress.

Further reading

Khan, A., Tant, E., Harper, C. 2023. Facing the backlash: what is fuelling anti-feminist and antidemocratic forces? ALIGN Framing paper. London: ODI.

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In this episode, we are joined by Jean-Pierre, an expert in cooperative, mutual, and associative movements within the health sector, both in Canada and internationally. Jean-Pierre shares his personal journey into the world of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and reveals what sparked his deep interest in coops, mutuals, and associations. Throughout the discussion, Jean-Pierre explains why SSE is particularly pertinent to current health issues. He delves into the critical role that SSE organizations play in addressing health challenges and promoting well-being, emphasizing their unique ability to foster community-based solutions and inclusive care models and introduces diverse types and forms of SSE organizations that are making a difference in health and care across various regions of the globe.

Read the encyclopedia’s entry on health and care sector.

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In this episode, Chiyoge Sifa, the Regional Director of the International Cooperative Alliance–Africa, shares how she witnessed first-hand the way the actualization of the principles and values of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) such as equity, solidarity and participatory governance help improve the lives of those around her. She explains her conviction that SSE is intrinsic to humanity, cutting across many cultures in different regions around the world and stemming from the roots and origins of the way we work. She envisions the future potential of cooperatives and the SSE movement on the continent of Africa as paramount to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Read the encyclopedia’s entry on cooperatives and mutuals.

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In this episode, Kunle Akingbola, a professor of HR organizational behaviour and expert in the organizational dynamics of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) entities, explores the relationship between business schools, human resources management and the SSE and how they relate to working conditions and wages. He draws attention to how recruiting, retaining and motivating employees and engaging the community are central to the effectiveness of SSE entities, despite university courses and business schools not yet fully comprehending the importance of these connections. In his entry in the SSE Encyclopedia, he highlights how both internal (organizational mission and values) and external (funding predictability in the case of non-profits) factors influence how SSE organizations attract, retain and motivate employees, a critical component for understanding how employees, managers and even policy makers can positively impact the outcomes of the SSE.

Read the encyclopedia’s entry on working conditions and wages.

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