The Global Society Institute (GSI) marked a pivotal moment in its journey towards sustainability and the achievement of the global goals during a recent ceremony at its Tarifa branch. This event saw Teresa S. Catalá formally hand over the position of Chairwoman GSI Tarifa to Rea Fraser.
The ceremony began with remarks from GSI's director, Christoph A. Geisler, who provided an update on the organisation’s involvement with the global civil society delegation at the United Nations. His insights highlighted GSI's role in shaping dialogue and initiatives for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For a deeper dive into this critical work, insights featured in our exclusive interview.
A new vision for GSI Tarifa
Catalá, member of the Institute’s Research Board, is renowned for her science-focused approach. While she will remain in her current role, her successor, Rea Fraser, brings an expertise shaped by her work as the founder of STRAIT UP, an association dedicated to non-formal education and intercultural learning in the Mediterranean. Fraser’s experiences in international capacity building, intercultural dialogue, and connecting underserved youth to educational opportunities aligns seamlessly with GSI’s mission to strengthen the global society through actionable, inclusive strategies.This emphasis reflects a growing recognition that climate action, economic equality, and social justice require not only scientific precision but also empathetic, community-centred approaches.
Advancing global accountability and social equity
Adding to the day’s significance, Fernando Morales-de la Cruz, a prominent journalist, human rights advocate, and social entrepreneur, joined us as a part of the GSI network. Morales-de la Cruz is dedicated to eradicating child labour, forced labour, and systemic poverty in global supply chains. His work focuses on holding corporations, governments, and international organisations accountable for exploitation, pushing for structural reforms to ensure fair practices and sustainable solutions.
Morales-de la Cruz criticised the lack of concrete plans and budgets within the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework. He emphasised the need for urgent collective action, urging stakeholders to move beyond empty commitments to achieve meaningful results. The dialogue also led us to explore new formats for how to connect the Tarifa region—known for its unique geographical significance—with global networks.
More about Fernando’s impactful projects can be found here in his LinkedIn profile, such as Cartoons for Change, a unique initiative that uses art and satire to raise awareness about social inequities. This project exemplifies his innovative approach, blending storytelling and activism to inspire action on critical global issues.
The path forward
This ceremony may have been intimate, but its implications are profound. As GSI continues to bridge gaps in environmental protection, economic equality, and global collaboration, the transition in leadership promises fresh momentum.
Global challenges demand collective solutions. By fostering partnerships and empowering diverse voices, GSI is paving the way for a future rooted in sustainability and social equity.
More information: www.globalsocietyinstitute.org