WALES is entering a defining period in its democratic history. As the 2026 Senedd elections approach, the focus is shifting away from traditional silos and toward a more collective, integrated vision for the nation.

As Wales goes to the polls in what is set to be a historic election, with the backdrop of a cost-living-crisis and US-Israeli war on Iran and Lebanon driving up fuel and food prices, polling from across Wales continue to show overwhelming support for stronger action on climate, nature, clean energy and pollution.

Concern about climate change remains high across Wales, with 60 per cent of people worried about climate change, rising to 78 per cent among 16 to 29-year-olds. The research highlights growing public concern over extreme weather, food insecurity, poverty and the wider economic impacts of climate change.

While Climate Cymru has long served as a robust network for environmental and social organisations, the creation of Cymru Together was born from a specific, strategic need: to build new allies and reach more diverse audiences.

It was an acknowledgment that the challenges of climate, nature, and social inequality cannot be solved in isolation. By bringing together voices from across Welsh society — from grassroots community groups, to businesses, to health and social justice voices, the project for a fairer, more resilient Wales has grown.

The momentum of this collective approach is best evidenced by the recent open letter addressed to all political party leaders. Signed by over 350 organisations and diverse community leaders, the letter represents a broad consensus on the priorities for the next Welsh government.

It isn’t a list of demands for one specific sector; it is an invitation for political parties to set out clear, practical plans that put power back into people’s hands and restore nature for the benefit of everyone.

This letter serves as the foundation for the three core pillars of the movement: make life fairer, put power in people’s hands, and restore nature for all.

The first pillar, to make life fairer, focuses on a just transition that tackles the cost-of-living crisis by ensuring green investments, like home retrofits and clean energy, drive down bills and eliminate poverty.

Putting power in people’s hands demands a shift toward local sovereignty, championed through the creation of a Wales Wealth Fund that keeps the value of our natural resources within our borders.

Finally, restoring nature for all envisions a country where clean air, healthy rivers and accessible green spaces are a legal right for all, directly linking a flourishing environment to the long-term health of our nation.

These aren’t just slogans; they are the benchmarks against which the next Senedd will be measured.

Earth Day 2026 marks a significant milestone in this journey, but it is not the destination. The activity taking place today, April 22, outside the Senedd, is designed as a moment of visible unity.

It’s a chance for this diverse coalition to gather at the Senedd and demonstrate that the “Wales of Tomorrow” is already being built in our communities.

We will be unveiling a commissioned piece of art by Merthyr-born artist Gus Payne on the day, along the themes of unity, community and nature.

We have also initiated a series of local hustings across Wales — events that are providing a platform for local people to engage directly with candidates, ensuring that the diverse perspectives gathered by Cymru Together are heard in every corner of the country.

This isn’t about top-down influence; it is about facilitating a conversation where the public sets the agenda.

The urgency of this new alliance is highlighted by those who have lived through the failures of older, extractive models of governance.

“We don’t want our communities to be a place of extraction; coal or otherwise. We want to be part of the solution, not contributors to the problem. Our life was made hell for 17 years — 20 years on and there is no restoration to be had and the land is to be left in a dangerous and derelict condition with the probability of toxins leaching out of the mine into the water courses.” — Chris Austin, Campaigner, Merthyr Tydfil.

Chris and Alyson Austin’s experience in Ffos-y-fran serves as a stark reminder of why we need a new approach.

The “Wales of Yesterday” was defined by a system where communities were talked at, not worked with. Cymru Together is the vehicle for a “Wales of Tomorrow” where the mistakes of the past are not repeated, and where communities possess the legal and financial power to protect their health and their landscape.

As we look beyond the 2026 vote, the mission of Cymru Together is clear: to influence the new Senedd from day one. By fostering shared solutions and building a broad-based movement that prioritises the wellbeing of future generations, the collective is offering the next Welsh government a partnership rooted in hope and practical action.

The 2026 election is not just an endpoint; it is the beginning of a new chapter for a cleaner, greener, and fairer Cymru.

View the full letter and join the collective at together.cymru.

Bethan Sayed is head of politics and advocacy at Climate Cymru.

Artwork commissioned by Climate Cymru for Earth Day, April 22 2026, by Gus Payne is to be revealed outside the Senedd at 11am.  Speeches will include Jason Wyatt from Tata Steel Unite, Grace Gavigan from the Gracefully Wild Foundation, poetry from Bardd Plant Cymru, Cardiff Rhythm Rebels music, followed by a networking lunch and a Senedd influencing workshop with Hope for the Future at the Urdd Centre, 12.30pm onwards.