Global Society News (GSN) had the chance of interviewing Christoph Geisler and Marc Buckley, members of the Delegation of the global civil society at the United Nations, following two impactful weeks during Peace Week and Climate Week in New York City.
In this conversation GSN correspondent Annie Ellul speaks with them about the outcomes of this landmark mission and how the delegation’s agenda was received at key UN events. They provide insight into the challenges faced, the innovative collaborations established, and their vision for a more connected and active global civil society. Here, Christoph and Marc discuss the delegation’s experiences and the exciting path ahead.
GSN: Reflecting on the recent delegation’s mission in New York, what were the key achievements?
Christoph Geisler: The recent delegation to New York was pivotal for us, marking the first time we brought an agenda, made by the global civil society, into the UN system - a document that encapsulates the shared hopes and priorities of global civil society. We were encouraged to see how the agenda resonated across discussions at major events like the Summit of the Future and UN General Assembly 79, which underscored the global urgency to act on critical challenges.
One of the standout aspects of this mission was the genuine engagement we experienced. Across 36 meetings, workshops, and 20 side events, we encountered moments of true dialogue and partnership-building rather than mere formalities. Delegates offered innovative solutions that sparked constructive discussions, reinforcing the vital role civil society plays in these conversations. Witnessing our topics woven into UN discussions was a powerful sign that our contributions are being heard and valued, fuelling our optimism for ongoing collaboration in shaping future policies and initiatives.
GSN: During your meetings, did you encounter any structural challenges within the UN that impacted the delegation’s work?
Marc Buckley: Absolutely. While the UN provides an invaluable platform, its structure is primarily designed to represent the interests of individual member states. This setup can make it challenging for global civil society voices - particularly younger people and grassroots groups - to find an equal footing, even when we’re aligned with the UN’s values.
One significant issue we observed is what we refer to as “systemic latency” - the tendency of the UN’s longstanding systems to move more slowly than today’s most pressing issues require. Also proving to be ineffective for traditional diplomacy, these systems aren’t agile enough for the kinds of decentralised, immediate issues that our delegation and similar groups focus on. To work around this, alternative formats like the Summit of the Future Action Days have been created, where non-traditional stakeholders could join discussions without typical procedural constraints. This flexibility enabled us to share solutions more directly, amplifying impact.
GSN: Given these challenges, how did the delegation foster collaboration and find ways to amplify global civil society’s voice?
Marc Buckley: We quickly realised that we needed to go beyond traditional frameworks to ensure our contributions made a real impact. One of these approaches is through “soft contracts” - informal agreements that, while not legally binding, carry strong moral weight. These allowed civil society groups, especially younger participants from diverse regions, to commit to actions without the procedural delays often associated with formal channels. One example is the “Pact for the Future: World leaders pledge action for peace, sustainable development | UN News,” inviting participants to make commitments that directly address pressing issues in their communities.
Events like the Action Days and soft contracts allowed us to advance despite formal limitations, creating a more inclusive environment where everyone could engage meaningfully without waiting for bureaucratic approval.
This approach isn’t about challenging the UN’s systems but about complementing them with new methods that enable civil society to contribute effectively.
GSN: Young people's enthusiasm often plays a crucial role in shaping global initiatives. How did the delegation engage with youth during the mission, and what strategies do you have in place to continue fostering this engagement moving forward?
Christoph Geisler: The enthusiasm from young people was one of the most energising aspects of our mission. Many came to New York on their own, driven by a determination to help shape solutions to global issues. This drive for action was palpable; they wanted to move quickly from discussion to implementation. We saw this reflected in our workshops, where youth-led dialogues quickly evolved into concrete plans.
Going forward, we’re focused on creating strategic concepts to channel this energy. This includes platforms where members of global civil society can connect, discuss, and strategise on shared issues. We’re also planning to establish local hubs, enabling people to contribute to initiatives aligned with the broader agenda of the global civil society, regardless of their location. Our goal is to build a lasting framework that fosters collaboration and keeps the energy we felt in New York inspiring action worldwide.
GSN: With these experiences in mind, what do you see as the next steps for the global civil society’s role in engaging with the UN and other global organisations?
Christoph Geisler: This delegation provided us with valuable insights and set the stage for what’s next. Our immediate priority is to turn these insights into a structured roadmap that can guide civil society’s contributions to future global events. We’re working to build a strong network that connects local leaders with global agendas, ensuring that grassroots voices are consistently included in high-level conversations.
At the same time, we’ll keep advocating for adjustments within the UN that can make it easier for civil society to engage directly. Our broader vision is to create a continuous movement that can adapt to the world’s most pressing challenges, building meaningful connections across cultures and regions. This will involve regular follow-ups and summits, ensuring our work isn’t a one-time effort but a growing partnership with a tangible impact on global issues.
Together, Christoph Geisler and Marc Buckley share a compelling vision for the future - one where global civil society stands alongside world leaders to co-create solutions. It invites all of us to help shape a more inclusive, cooperative, and impactful global community.
New York City, September 28, 2024 - First time in history a delegation of the global civil society convened in New York City this September during a series of significant United Nations events to negotiate relevant urgent issues. These included the Summit of the Future Action Days, the Summit of the Future, the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit, and the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). The reformation of institutions, the impending failure of the SDGs, and other critical issues such as peace restoration, systems confrontation, re-naturalization, and specific topics like the circular economy and child slavery were on the agenda. The agenda setting has been conducted by members of the global civil society representing all world regions and SDG areas. The outcomes of these discussions will serve as the foundation for future collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Marc Buckley, an influential figure in the realm of climate activism and sustainable development, has made significant contributions to advancing global efforts to tackle environmental challenges. With a background in ecological economics and a forward-thinking vision as a regenerative futurist, Buckley has gained recognition for his pioneering work in promoting systems-based solutions to complex global issues, including the climate crisis, food system reform, and the transition towards regenerative futures.
In this exclusive video report, Global Society News delves into the inspiring journey of India Rose Matharu-Daley, a leading environmental business strategist and conservation impact director. Interviewed as part of the Global Society Delegation at the United Nations, India shares her perspectives on biodiversity conservation, climate action, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Daniel Cervenka, founder of The Convergence, is a visionary leader dedicated to making sustainability accessible through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. With a strong belief in the power of unity, Cervenka has built The Convergence into a platform that brings together experts, leaders, and creatives from around the world to amplify their collective impact on the future of our planet.
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First time in history a delegation of the global civil society convened in New York City this September during a series of significant United Nations events to negotiate relevant urgent issues.