From 1–6 November 2025, GEYC's delegation (Gabriel Brezoiu - General Manager, Alexandra Peca - Head of Youth Empowerment and Ana Maria Todoran - Head of Sustainability) took part in the International Civil Society Week (ICSW) in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the world’s most dynamic gatherings for changemakers, activists, and organizations shaping the future of civic action.
This year’s edition focused on building stronger global coalitions and reimagining how civil society collaborates in times of climate urgency, social inequality, and democratic backsliding.
For GEYC, being part of ICSW wasn’t just about attending sessions, it was about listening, exchanging ideas, and connecting with people who believe, like us, that youth-led action can transform communities and systems worldwide.
ICSW highlights from the plenary
The opening plenary set the tone for the week. Speakers reflected on how essential it is for civil society to build broad, inclusive alliances, bringing together NGOs, artists, trade unions, youth movements, and grassroots organizations.
The conversations highlighted a shared truth: the pandemic exposed our collective vulnerability, but it also reminded us of our interdependence. Freedom and security go hand in hand, and both require solidarity.
A powerful message resonated throughout the room: inequality isn’t just about money, it’s about power. With wealth and influence increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, the call to collaborate across borders and disciplines felt more urgent than ever.
For GEYC, this reinforced the value of our work: partnership and empathy are the foundations of progress.
Democracy and civic spaces
The second plenary tackled one of today’s most pressing issues: the shrinking space for civil society. Speakers pointed to new forms of authoritarianism emerging worldwide, including in countries traditionally considered safe for activists and journalists.
In parts of Latin America, new laws are making it harder for NGOs to operate, restricting funding and silencing critical voices under the pretext of “transparency.” The discussion raised a sobering question: “Is authoritarianism spreading to the West, or being reinvented there?”
For us, it was a reminder that democracy is not self-sustaining. It needs active citizens, strong networks, and organizations ready to defend civic freedoms wherever they are under threat.
The futures we are building
One of the most inspiring sessions focused on youth activism and intergenerational justice.
It celebrated the creative and digital energy that young people bring to movements for climate action, equality, and democracy.
The message was simple but powerful: young people don’t need to wait for permission to lead. They’re already shaping change: online, in communities, and across borders.
The Youth Manifesto presented at ICSW called for:
- Recognizing media literacy as a civic right;
- Building global accountability systems that connect governments, activists, and tech companies;
- Turning solidarity into structure, from slogans to shared action.
These ideas mirror GEYC’s mission to empower young people as leaders, not just participants, and to challenge traditional hierarchies that limit creativity and impact.
GEYC’s work in Bangkok
In between plenaries, our team took the opportunity to meet with inspiring organizations and institutions across Bangkok, strengthening GEYC’s network and exploring future collaborations.
Meeting with Makhampom Theatre Group
We met Thanupon Yindee, director and actor from the Makhampom Theatre Group, to discuss how community theatre can be used for humanitarian and educational work. The conversation opened exciting possibilities for integrating art and storytelling into future GEYC projects.
Collaboration talks with International Volunteer Association Saphan
Together with Saphan representatives, we explored collaborations around sustainability, English education, and volunteering, looking at how cultural exchange can become a pathway to long-term impact.
Visit to the EU delegation in Thailand
On 6th of November, GEYC visited the Delegation of the European Union in Thailand, meeting Arunsiri Phothong, Programme Manager at INTPA. The discussion focused on EU–ASEAN cooperation and engaging more young people in sustainable development and humanitarian initiatives.
Visit to the Romanian Embassy in Bangkok
Earlier, on 3rd of November, the GEYC team was warmly welcomed by Ms. Daniela-Brîndușa Băzăvan at the Romanian Embassy in Thailand. The meeting offered an opportunity to share GEYC’s work and identify new ways to connect Romanian youth initiatives with regional and diplomatic efforts.
Climate Fresk workshop at UNICEF Thailand
On the same day, Ana Todoran, the Head of Sustainability at GEYC, facilitated a Climate Fresk workshop at UNICEF Thailand, bringing together 18 participants to explore the causes and consequences of climate change. It was a collaborative experience that demonstrated how learning can drive meaningful action.
The energy in Bangkok doesn’t end there. We’re bringing home fresh partnerships, creative tools, and a clearer vision of how young people can lead global change. For GEYC, the next chapter is about turning inspiration into concrete action.