Amid an increasingly volatile global landscape, 88 per cent
of associations and not-for-profit organisations believe that geopolitical
instability will affect their operations - with 85 per cent stating it already
has.
These are among the headline findings of new research released by
The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau in collaboration with the European
Society of Association Executives (ESAE). Conducted amongst 99 association and not-for-profit leaders
from across the globe, the research shines a light on how associations are
adapting - or struggling to adapt - to mounting global pressures including
political instability, the rise of populism, and tightening regulatory and
operational environments.
More than half - 54 per cent - of respondents describe themselves as executive/board/C-level,
while a further 18 per cent cite their role as association management.
Unprepared and under pressure
While 14 per cent of organisations described themselves as
not prepared for the ongoing geopolitical impact, a further 72 per cent said
they are only somewhat prepared. Just 13 per cent feel they are well prepared.
This suggests widespread concern around resilience and agility in the face of
fast-moving change.
“Associations are increasingly navigating a complex
geopolitical environment, with instability no longer an external factor but an
embedded reality,” said Bas Schot, head of The Hague & Partners Convention
Bureau. “Our research reveals not just concern, but a clear call to action -
associations must double down on governance, mission alignment and strategic
communication if they are to weather what lies ahead.”
Populism: influence and implications
The rise of populist parties and movements also ranks high
on the list of concerns: 77 per cent of respondents see it impacting their
organisations. Worryingly, 30 per cent ranked their concern as 4 or 5 out of 5
regarding the influence populism could have on the composition and decisions of
their boards.
In response to these risks:
- 81
per cent of respondents are reinforcing their focus on core mission and
values.
- 63
per cent are prioritising stronger governance policies.
- 61
per cent are working toward more diverse board representation to balance
perspectives.
Learning from history - but gaps remain
While 83 per cent believe that lessons from past crises such
as the Covid-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis are helping them
respond today, 42 per cent say critical knowledge gaps remain.
Ioannis Pallas, MD of ESAE, said: "This research underlines how geopolitical developments are no longer
tangential to association leadership - they are central. Associations must
evolve structurally and strategically, not only to stay relevant but to
continue being forces of positive change in society. The insights provide a
valuable roadmap for that journey."
Events and mobility: shifting strategies
Though just 27 per cent of respondents said political
instability has directly disrupted their ability to organise events in Europe,
28 per cent have already moved their events to "more politically stable" regions.
Next steps and upcoming insights
This research marks the first release of findings from a
larger study. A detailed white paper will follow, exploring the research and
anecdotal responses in greater depth alongside the interconnected challenges of
geopolitics, communications, technology, and association resilience.
Following successful past collaborations, The Hague and
Partners Convention Bureau is also in the process of rolling the research out
via Ottawa Tourism and its partners, with the intention of creating a globally
rounded set of results to be released at IMEX America.
