Our Mission

Upstand is a social enterprise committed to supporting marginalized communities in historically exploited regions that face heightened risk of socio-economic, political, climate and environmental disruptions. 

Our research, practice and advisory capacity is rooted in the principles of fairness, inclusivity and accountability. We are dedicated to driving systemic social change by challenging entrenched power structures, bridging diverse knowledge systems, and centering marginalised voices and agency. 

Our expertise lies in providing grounded and interdisciplinary research and technical assistance to governments, international and national non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society — anyone dedicated to making positive and transformative contributions to marginalized communities. 

We take pride in how we work, not just what we do. We invest time in building relationships and trust because we believe that change happens when we begin to listen to our differences.

Our Vision

We work to avoid and reduce vulnerability while recognising it as a source of strength toward self-determination. We support individuals and communities in addressing the root causes of their challenges and co-creating solutions that allow them to thrive and overcome injustice.

Evidence alone is not enough to transform policy. Contexts are made of competing interests and value systems, and policies need to be grounded and stay meaningful to the social and institutional frameworks of the communities they serve. We believe in the power of relationships to navigate today’s most critical challenges. That is why we (un)learn with and work alongside everyone: our partners and counterparts, governments and traditional governance structures, businesses of all sizes, civil society organisations, the diaspora, local communities, migrants, refugees, and displaced populations. 

We nurture meaningful relationships and partnerships to address power imbalances and strengthen locally led development pathways. We take a systems approach and guide our work through decolonial principles, supporting localised initiatives and centering on local ways of being, knowing, and doing.