Introduction

The Global Confluence on Radical Democracy, Autonomy, and Self-Determination held in Port Edward, South Africa from February 2 to 6, 2025, was organised by Global TapestryThe weaving of networks of Alternatives of AlternativesAre activities and initiatives, concepts, worldviews, or action proposals by collectives, groups, organizations, communities, or social movements challenging and replacing the dominant system that perpetuates inequality, exploitation, and unsustainabiity. In the GTA we focus primarily on what we call "radical or transformative alternatives", which we define as initiatives that are attempting to break with the dominant system and take paths towards direct and radical forms of political and economic democracy, localised self-reliance, social justice and equity, cultural and knowledge diversity, and ecological resilience. Their locus is neither the State nor the capitalist economy. They are advancing in the process of dismantling most forms of hierarchies, assuming the principles of sufficiency, autonomy, non-violence, justice and equality, solidarity, and the caring of life and the Earth. They do this in an integral way, not limited to a single aspect of life. Although such initiatives may have some kind of link with capitalist markets and the State, they prioritize their autonomy to avoid significant dependency on them and tend to reduce, as much as possible, any relationship with them. (GTAGlobal Tapestry of Alternatives), in collaboration with WoMin Alliance, Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC), Academy of Democratic Modernity (ADM), and Jineoloji Academy. Together, these organisations provided both the theoretical and practical frameworks for the meeting, guiding the discussions and ensuring a multiregional focused discussions on grassroots and community-led alternative practices to the intersecting polycrises facing the world. The meeting brought together 44 participants from 20 countries, representing 34 communities across the Global South, mostly from Latin America, Asia and Africa. The primary goal was to forge deeper connections between local and global movements, share strategies, and strengthen collective power to confront the multifaceted crises that are increasingly defining our world.

At its core, this confluence was a call to reimagine democracy, governance, and self-determination through the lens of radical alternatives - those that prioritise the collective well-being of people and the planet, and challenge the entrenched systems of capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, and anthropocentrism. By centering the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, grassroots organisers, and marginalised communities, and of the rest of nature, the gathering emphasised the urgency of confronting not only economic exploitation but also environmental destruction and social inequality.

This report captures the essence of the dialogues, the key themes discussed, and the actionable commitments made by participants. It serves not only as a record of the confluence but also as a foundation for the ongoing work of building global solidarity, mutual learning, and collective action in the pursuit of radical democracy and justice.

Credits

This report has been compiled by Madhuresh Kumar and edited by Vasna Ramasar, Ashish Kothari and Franco Augusto. The contribution of several note-takers and all participants is acknowledged.

Photographs: Ashish Kothari and Vasna Ramasar

Cover: Franco Augusto

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Here you can download the PDF version of the report

AI generated translations: French version | Spanish version