Annual Report 2025

Solidarity is the solution

Introduction of the annual report, by Margot Wallström, Chair, and Oscar Ernerot, Secretary General.

Another turbulent year lies behind us – for the world, for Sweden, and for the Palme Center. Armed conflicts have reached their highest levels in decades, while the rules-based international order is being quickly eroded by powerful actors. Progress in reducing global poverty has slowed significantly, and in several of the world’s most vulnerable countries poverty is once again increasing. Inequality is soaring and climate action is losing momentum. Global developments seem to be spinning increasingly out of control.

At the same time, systematic attacks on democracy and on civil society organisations working to counter these dangerous trends continue. Step by step, right-wing authoritarian forces are shifting the boundaries of what is acceptable in a democratic society. Popular movements, trade unions and political opponents are being subjected to targeted attacks as part of a deliberate strategy to weaken and silence critical voices.

To confront these attacks and the negative global trends, we must now stand together. When the Palme Center and the Swedish labour movement, support civil society organisations and trade unions in other countries, it is not about charity – it is about defending shared interests. For every opposition voice silenced in Türkiye or Georgia, and for every trade union leader imprisoned in China or Myanmar, our own ability to defend democracy, our rights and our future is also weakened in the globalised world we live in.

During the year, the Palme Center has continued to act and work together with our many partners and allies around the world. We have implemented 168 international projects, working through capacity-building, organising, communication and advocacy to advance our values and solutions. We will not back down in our commitment – not an inch – and neither will our partners.

The strength of the labour movement has always been rooted in solidarity. It is when we see one another – as human beings, citizens and workers in a shared world – and act together that real change becomes possible. That is why we must resist all attempts to weaken and divide us. Our response must be clear: We stand together – at home and globally. This is not just about the lives and rights of others, but about our shared future.

Social movements, trade unions and popular education are not the problem – they are the solution. And that solution, now as before, is built on unity and solidarity.