We’re at a point in history where the world feels less safe than it has for decades. 

Greenhouse gas concentrations continue to increase. Global average carbon dioxide concentrations jumped last year, as did methane and nitrous oxide levels. 2023 was confirmed as the hottest year ever recorded on earth. 

At the same time, war has drawn focus away from international cooperation and further destabilised multilateralism, while the rise of political populism, culture wars and orchestrated backlash is hampering progressive policy on all fronts, putting affected communities, social movements and political advocates for solutions at ever increasing personal risk.

2024 will be a huge year. The majority of the world’s population will go to the polls at a time when democracy is showing its fragility and its institutions are struggling to cope with polarised politics, growing inequality and economic uncertainty. The toxic effects of social media are spreading, while the exponential acceleration of AI is exploding into a completely unprepared world. Geopolitical axes are realigning on every continent. Amidst all this, COP30 in Brazil will be a key moment for multilateralism in general and climate efforts in particular – and a late opportunity to double down on climate commitments and the tripling of renewable energy that could do so much to help stabilise both climate and global security.

The need for grassroots, mutually supportive and human-centred organising is more necessary and urgent than it may ever have been in human history. And where people are coming together to confront power and forge new solutions, we see hope for a better future. This Impact Report is full of encouraging, positive stories of change.

We are proud to say that an independent evaluation of UMI’s work over 2021-2023 concludes that, “there is strong evidence of progress toward all UMI mid-term outcomes, across all geographies and strategic outcome areas. The evaluation validates an increase in movement power, one of UMI’s core objectives.”

We look back over 2023 with immense gratitude; to our partners and our donors. It’s an honour to work in a community of such passionate and dedicated people, movements, networks, organisations and philanthropies.

We extend heartfelt thanks to UMI donors, who have made the work described in this report possible, and also to the foundations and regranters who collaborate with UMI to coordinate, align, connect and synergise. UMI is part of an ecosystem that has to work together to succeed in the enormous task we have collectively taken on.

Immense appreciation, most of all, must go to the people and organisations working on the frontlines, who do the work: the movement organisations, communities, NGOs, campaigners and organisers who give their all to both be and make the change we need to see.

We are more convinced than ever that the global effort to tackle climate change needs a much stronger ground game and that this is rooted in building power, supporting social movements and putting people first. We are committed to continuing to work tirelessly together with our partners to make it happen.