CIVICUS appoints new secretary general amidst rising global threats to civic freedoms

By A Representative

CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance, has announced the appointment of Mandeep Singh Tiwana as its new Secretary General, effective 1 June 2025.

A human rights lawyer by training, Tiwana brings over two decades of experience in defending civic freedoms and democratic values. He began his career working with grassroots communities in Punjab, India, and later led initiatives promoting access to justice across Indian states. Since joining CIVICUS in 2008, he has held various leadership roles, including heading the organisation’s work on civic space advocacy and engagement at the United Nations in New York.

Dylan Mathews, Chair of the CIVICUS Board, said the appointment comes at a critical time when civic and democratic freedoms face growing threats globally. “Mandeep’s unflinching ability to stand up against authoritarian and anti-rights forces is just what is needed to inspire our alliance,” he noted.

CIVICUS’s latest Watchlist highlights significant civic space concerns in countries including the United States, Italy, Pakistan, Congo, and Serbia. According to the CIVICUS Monitor, civic space is severely restricted in 116 out of 198 countries and territories, affecting seven out of ten people worldwide.

Speaking on his new role, Tiwana said, “By standing in solidarity, our 15,000-member alliance can be a catalyst for a more peaceful, just, equal and sustainable world. We must build broader and more inclusive people’s movements grounded in communities.”

Tiwana has written extensively on civil society, development, and international affairs and is recognised for his efforts to strengthen civil society’s voice in global governance.

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