A global emergency demands a global response
GILC is building the backbone infrastructure the global social connection field has been missing — the connective layer between research, policy, practice, and cross-country action.
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Members
Expert Contributors
Multilateral Partners
Continents
ABOUT US
Building the global field of social connection
We build the infrastructure so practitioners, researchers, and policymakers across regions can go further together. So knowledge travels, collaboration deepens, and momentum becomes real change in people's lives, everywhere.
The field has many vehicles. What's missing is the road network. That is what the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC) is.
IMPACT
Deliberate field-building. Real change, everywhere
We have built the connective infrastructure this field has been missing — through relationships, trust, expertise, and sustained conviction.
Impact Stories
Established field recognition through WHO's Commission on Social Connection
GILC contributed evidence and practitioner perspectives to the WHO Commission and its Technical Advisory Group. We helped shape the field's agenda, supporting growing global recognition of social connection as a foundational pillar of health. We continue as a key WHO partner.
Grew local movements through global learning
Through GILC's global peer network, Ciao Table — an organization in Switzerland and Italy — discovered Canada's "Talk to a Stranger Week" and launched their own campaign, "Say Hello to Your Neighbour."
Sparked France's national social connection federation
GILC helped connect French efforts to international leaders, ideas and learning, helping build momentum towards what became the French Federation on Social Connection, now 150+ stakeholders strong.
Seeded collaborations across continents, systems and sectors
Compeer (USA) and Keralty (Colombia) found each other through GILC; two organizations working on social health from different angles. The connection led to a joint Grand Challenges Canada application and plans to pilot Compeer's social support model inside Keralty's health system in Colombia.
Member Testimonials
“GILC's international network enables us to share learning and contribute to the development of knowledge on a global scale. We are extremely grateful for its driving role in advancing this field."
— Arnaud Goulliart, French Federation for Social Connections (France)
"One of the greatest benefits is discovering projects from all over the world. GILC has the ability to engage with high-level governmental bodies and promote social connection globally. As a small association, we are proud to be part of that."
— Piera Serra, Ciao Table (Switzerland & Italy)
"This collaboration doesn't exist without GILC."
— Cheri Alvarez, Compeer (USA) & Camila Ronderos Bernal, Keralty (Colombia)
PEOPLE
A global community shaping the field
GILC's strength is its people. Members, partners, contributors and advisors who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a shared conviction that social connection is a global priority worth organizing around. The field moves further when the right people are connected.
Members
Partners
Our Team
Steering Committee
Board
EXPLORE
Engage with the work and the community
Events
Roundtables, convenings, and global lectures. Where the community comes together.
Resources
Research, position statements, evidence briefs, and practical tools for the field.
JOIN US
There is a place for you in this work