Civic freedoms and human rights are under attack in many parts of the world. At the same time, commitment to climate action feels frail, democracy seems weak, and the multilateral system is being dismantled. Drawing on his new book, Power to the People, Dr Sriskandarajah will argue why protecting and nurturing citizen action is key to sustaining climate action and protecting democracy. When citizens have the freedom to express their views, assemble peacefully, and access information, they can organise and mobilize on the things that matter to communities, including environmental action. This active participation ensures that diverse voices are heard and protecting civic freedoms strengthens democratic institutions and global decision-making, all of which are crucial for addressing complex global challenges like climate change. He will set out the reasons why and how this can be the century of the citizen.