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Guiding Principles and Statutes of the Progressive Alliance Progressive Alliance for Freedom, Justice and Solidarity
Adopted at the Global Convention in Santiago, Chile on 6 October 2024
I. Our Commitment
As progressive parties, we want to make the 21st century a century of democratic, social and ecological progress. In order to achieve this goal, we have to understand the needs of our fellow human beings and work out modern political approaches to satisfy these needs.
To create decent jobs and fight unemployment, to ensure fair income distribution or redistribution of wealth and gender equality, counter increased inequality in societies, fight for LGBTIQ rights and against intolerance and racism, restrain rampant unruly financial markets with clear regulations and fight tax fraud, curb climate change with the urgency required and promote sustainable economic, social and ecological development, secure peace and human rights as global public goods, uphold multilateralism, advocate disarmament and stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, prevent conflicts and create peace, and eradicate hunger and poverty once and for all.
Challenges like these can only be tackled by working together and not against each other, by a strong global coordination and coalition of progressives. To transform the 21st century and shape the new era in the face of complex problems, the aim of international politics is a balanced, global democratic cooperation for progress, stability and sustainability to be built upon fairness, trust, collaboration and directed towards solving the defining issues of our time.
Our aim is a progressive and just world. As a powerful alliance of friends and partners from all corners of the earth, we are committed to achieving this aim. Our idea of a free, open, inclusive and joint society is a powerful idea.
II. Guiding Principles
The Progressive Alliance is an international association of progressive, social democratic, socialist and labour parties, political organisations and networks. The Progressive Alliance seeksto collaborate with other progressive organisations, federations, unions, think tanks, foundations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Parallel and complementary to other associations operating at an international level, the Progressive Alliance builds on regional and transnational networks and forums.
We believe that a better future is possible. The social democratic, progressive and socialist parties have already achieved a great deal in the struggle for social progress and social democracy. We want to continue in this road together.
At the same time we are determined to defend this progress against authoritarian and reactionary opponents who aggressively question our common values. It is with courage and optimism that we take up political arms against this dangerous new authoritarianism and increasing right-wing populism that pursues a policy of division, fuels hate and fear and promotes marginalisation and isolation. Together we shall join our global forces to create a future that is defined by peace, justice and freedom.
We are committed to democracy and its institutions. Democracy is the key to a life of dignity and freedom. We want to extend and strengthen democracy worldwide and will strongly oppose any attempts to curb democratic rights.
We are committed to human rights. Universally valid human rights are the foundation for peace, justice and freedom around the world. We oppose any form of torture and any attempt to deprive individuals of their basic rights. We are fighting for worldwide acceptance of all human rights for all.
We are committed to social cohesion and social justice. We interpret progress as being solidarity of the strong with the weak and the protection against major risks in life. Together with the trade unions, we are campaigning for decent work and workers’ rights and are putting up a resolute fight against poverty and exploitation.
We believe in a fair and just globalisation process that follows clearly defined rules. We want to create global economy exercising fair trade and operating in the interests of the people to eliminate poverty and inequality. We protect the environment based on the concept of intergenerational responsibility, and we are fighting against the destructive excesses of a brand of global capitalism that is irresponsible, benefits only a small minority and depletes our planet’s natural resources.
We believe in tolerance and diversity. As progressive politicians, we are convinced that social diversity on the basis of shared values enriches our lives. We are fighting for equal rights the world over as well as against every form of discrimination, xenophobia or marginalization.
We believe in gender equality and the same rightsfor men and women at all levels of society. These rights are vital for creating the just and fair society to which we have resolutely and globally committed ourselves. We are fighting against the discrimination and oppression of girls and women and will continue to oppose sexism and sexual violence in all parts of the world.
We believe in the separation of powers and the division of private and public interests. Corruption hinders social progress and universal participation. We are fighting for transparency and the rule of law.
We consider freedom of the press to be an indispensable component of democracy. The right to freedom of opinion is crucial to a free society. We are campaigning worldwide against the suppression of free media, against the manipulation of public opinion through fake news and against government propaganda.
We believe in education as the key to equal opportunities. The future of an individual should not be decided by their origins, but by talent and drive. We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to lead a self-determined life through education and are fighting for its universal access.
We are committed to overcoming the greatest human risks facing our day and age. Progress involves a joint struggle to eliminate and prevent hunger, climate disasters and epidemics in all parts of the world. If we succeed in this aim, we will also be combating the main reasons why millions are being forced to flee their home countries worldwide.
III. Organizational Culture
The values of democracy, justice, solidarity and gender equality we advocate are the basic operational principles inside the Progressive Alliance. Therefore, we encourage the member parties to secure gender parity in their delegations participating in Progressive Alliance activities.
The Progressive Alliance has a lean organisational structure and favors a high level of transparency and participation.
IV. Statutes
Article 1: Name
Under the name of “Progressive Alliance” exists a political association as non-registered non-profit association with its seat in Berlin, Germany (c/o SPD-Parteivorstand, Willy-Brandt-Haus, Wilhelmstr. 141, 10963 Berlin).
Article 2: Purpose
The Progressive Alliance provides a platform for formulating progressive collective and coordinated answers to political challenges around the globe, for exchanging information and experience on election campaigns and policy initiatives and ideas, for strengthening party organization, supporting international campaigns, improving regional networking and for the solidarity activities.
▪ The Progressive Alliance brings together progressive politicians and activists from across the globe to discuss shared policy challenges and to foster international cooperation. The activities can be organized in conjunction with other progressive social forces, trade unions, foundations and NGOs.
▪ The Progressive Alliance focuses on building-up the capacity for campaigns and the organizational integrity of political parties. The Progressive Campaigning workshops give progressive political parties opportunities to discuss shared electoral challenges and successful campaigns.
▪ The promotion of international cross-border solidarity is a crucial part of political identity of the progressive movement. It is, therefore, of central concern to all members of the Progressive Alliance to come to the aid of all our comrades throughout the world who are suffering from political oppression and persecution or whose stand for our values requires the support of the progressive community.
V. Membership
Article 3: Membership
The Progressive Alliance is open for members to all progressive, social democratic, socialist, labour parties and such party networks that share the common values stated in the Progressive Alliance Guiding Principles. Progressive non-party organisations can become associated members without voting rights.
Article 4: Admission
1 Anyone wishing to join the Progressive Alliance must send a letter to the Global Coordinator of the Progressive Alliance giving reasons for doing so and sending the relevant organizational documents for consideration by the General Assembly and the Board.
2 The Board decides with a two-third majority if the applying party can be given an observer status. The applying party can then participate in activities of the Progressive Alliance as an observing member. The observing member does not have voting rights.
3 Membership is granted by the General Assembly, based on the preparation of the Global Coordinator in consultation with the Regional Coordinators.
4 The General Assembly may take decisions on admission of members based on a two-thirds majority.
Article 5: End of Membership
1 Resignation from the Progressive Alliance may be declared in written form at any time addressed to the Global Coordinator.
2 Serious infringements of the principles, values and guidelines of the Progressive Alliance is a cause of any member’s expulsion. The expulsion is subject to a decision by the Board of the Progressive Alliance by a simple majority. The member concerned may lodge an appeal with the General Assembly. The decision taken by the General Assembly is final. The decision by the General Assembly is taken by a simple majority.
3 A member is excluded if the membership fee is not paid in two consecutive years despite repeated requests or if the member can no longer be contacted electronically.
Article 6: Rights and duties
1 Members take part in the opinion-forming process of the Progressive Alliance. Their representatives are eligible for election to all organs of the Progressive Alliance.
2 Any member has the right to submit motions and proposals to the General Assembly and to the Board in written form. These should be sent at least two weeks in advance. If possible, these must be dealt at the next Board meeting or General Assembly.
3 Every member has the right to obtain information about the organizational processes of the Progressive Alliance.
4 Every delegate of a member has the right to speak at the meetings of the Progressive Alliance.
5 Every member is obliged to pay the annual membership fee according to the financial guidelines set by the Board.
VI. Organs
The organs of Progressive Alliance are:
– General Assembly
– Board
– Presidium
– Global Coordinator
– Regional Coordinators
– Auditor
Article 7: General Assembly
1 The General Assembly is made up of delegates from the members and associated members of the Progressive Alliance. It is the highest policy making body of the Progressive Alliance. Every delegation of the members has one vote.
2 The General Assembly is convened to direct the international program of the Progressive Alliance for each term and deal with all relevant political questions that are not explicitly delegated to other organs.
3 Every three years, the General Assembly elects the members of the Board and decides on the discharge of the outgoing Board.
4 The General Assembly votes on the definitive admission of new membersto the Progressive Alliance and on the definitive expulsion of members (in the event of an appeal).
5 The General Assembly meets normally every three years on a different continent.
6 An extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly may be convened upon a request of more than fifty percent of the members.
7 The General Assembly has the right to alter the Guiding Principles and Statutes of and/or to dissolve the Progressive Alliance based on a two-thirds majority.
Article 8: Board
1 The Board consists of up to 40 member parties. To secure gender parity in the Board, all parties are represented by at least one female representative.
2 The members of the Board are elected by the General Assembly every three years. The Board represents the geographical plurality and diversity of the Progressive Alliance membership. All continents of the world and regional party networks of the Progressive Alliance are represented in the Board. There are at least five parties from Africa, five from the Americas, five from Asia, five from Europe, five from the Middle East and two from Oceania. The President of the International Union of Socialist Youth is a co-opted member of the Board with voting rights.
3 The Board meets at least once a year.
4 The Board sets the political guidelines and takes decisions, inter alia, on basic organisational and organisation policy issues within the Progressive Alliance.
5 Every three years, the Board elects the Presidium, the Global Coordinator and the Auditor and provides the activity report as well as the financial statement to the General Assembly.
6 The Board appoints eight members of the Finance Committee. In agreement with the Board, the Finance Committee takes decisions concerning the deployment and use of funds. The Finance Committee prepares the financial guidelines for approval of the Board. The Finance Committee prepares the financial statement for the Board every two years.
7 The Board has the right to appoint advisory committees (e.g. Ethics Committee).
8 An extraordinary meeting of the Board may be convened upon a request of more than fifty percent of the members.
Article 9: Presidium
1 The Presidium consists of nine party leaders representing all continents of the world and regional party networks of the Progressive Alliance. It consists of two members from Africa and the Middle East, two from the Americas, two from Asia, two from Europe, and one from Oceania.
2 The Presidium acts as the executive body of the Progressive Alliance in between the Board meetings.
3 The Presidium is elected by the Board every three years.
4 The Presidium discusses issues of international relevance, puts forward and takes decisions on immediate policies and resolutions of the Progressive Alliance. To reinforce strong mandate and unity within the Progressive Alliance, the Presidium takes decisions by consensus.
5 The members of the Presidium act as main representatives and spokespersons of the Progressive Alliance in high-level forums and negotiations.
6 The Presidium meets at least twice a year. Supplementary or extraordinary meeting can be convened if supported by one third of the presidium members. Meetings can take place in person or per video link.
Article 10: Global Coordinator
1 The Global Coordinator is elected by the Board every three years.
2 It is the job of the Global Coordinator to coordinate the activities of the Progressive Alliance in agreement with the Board. The Global Coordinator prepares the meetings of the Presidium, the Board and the General Assembly.
3 The Global Coordinator is responsible for the timely convocation of meetings of the General Assembly, the Board and the Presidium.
4 The Global Coordinator overseesthe joint activities of the Progressive Alliance with the regional networks.
5 The Global Coordinator has voting rights in the Board.
6 The Global Coordinator is responsible for the internal and external communications of the Progressive Alliance. He or she manages the finances and provides the annual financial statement to the Finance Committee. Within the framework of the financial affairs of the Progressive Alliance, the Global Coordinator has sole power of representation. Every year the Global Coordinator prepares the activity report for the Board.
7 The Global Coordinator is responsible for the proper recording and archiving of the decisions of all Progressive Alliance bodies.
8 The Global Coordinator has a right to an office and can hire employees.
Article 11: Regional Coordinators
1 The Regional Coordinators are elected from and by each regional party network (Alianza Progresista de Americas (APLA), Network for Social Democracy in Asia Pacific (SD-AP), Party of European Socialists (PES), Progressive Alliance of Africa (APAC), Social Democratic Forum in the Arab World (SDAAW)) associated with the Progressive Alliance
and are confirmed by the Board.
2 The Global Coordinator agrees with the Regional Coordinators upon the Progressive Alliance activities and their thematic priorities.
3 In consultation with the Regional Coordinators, the Global Coordinator preparesrecommendationsregarding membershipsto be presented to the Board and voted upon by the General Assembly.
4 The Regional Coordinators and the Global Coordinator should meet at least once a year.
Article 12: Auditor
The Auditor is elected by the Board every three years. The auditor is responsible to audit the financial statement and reports the findings to the Board.
VII. Finances
Article 13: Revenue
The Progressive Alliance has the following sources of income:
VIII. Transitional and final provisions
Article 14: Coming into effect
These Guiding Principles and Statutes were adopted by the General Assembly of the Progressive Alliance on October 6, 2024. They replace those adopted on November 19, 2019.
