More than 200 organisations working in Wales have signed an open letter ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections, calling on all political parties to set out clear, credible plans to improve lives, protect nature, and build a fairer future.

Under the banner- ‘Let’s Build a Better and Fairer Cymru Together’- the letter urges parties to commit to three shared priorities for the next Senedd term: making life fairer, putting power in people’s hands, and restoring nature for everyone.

The signatories, reflecting the breadth and strength of civil society across Wales, represent communities, charities, environmental groups, faith organisations, businesses, unions and social justice networks, say that people across Wales are facing rising living costs, stretched public services, and growing pressure on livelihoods and nature.

Stanley Townsend, Head of Policy, at Climate Cymru said: “The challenges we face, from rising bills to the loss of our local wildlife, don’t exist in isolation, so our solutions shouldn't either.

“When we get it right, Wales can cut the cost of living, create good local jobs and protect the places that make our communities special, while preventing more damage from extreme weather.

“Wales needs a Senedd that focuses on joined-up action: making homes warmer so families can cut their bills, backing home-grown Welsh energy that creates secure local jobs, and restoring the rivers, land and wildlife that keep our communities healthy. These are practical steps that bring down everyday costs, strengthen our economy and protect the places we’re proud to call home.”

Stuart Bretherton, Campaigns Lead, at Fuel Poverty Action remarked: “The Senedd must make green fair, ensuring that everyone across Wales gets their share of the benefits. Guaranteeing that renewable electricity brings down household bills, like rooftop solar energy generated from people's own roofs which is too often captured by landlords or developers.”

The organisations also call for greater community involvement and benefit from renewable energy projects, to ensure the transition to clean power strengthens local economies and keeps more wealth in Welsh communities.

Ben Ferguson and Leanne Wood, Co-executive Directors, Community Energy Wales commented: “Power can only be put into people’s hands with ownership. Community Energy Wales wants all communities to be able to build up a bank of energy assets, generating power that can be consumed by local communities. Ownership is control and the key to unlocking energy fairness.”

Dr Amy McDonnell, Co-Executive Director, Zero Hour said: "Protecting and restoring nature is not a luxury, it is the foundation of our future. This is a matter of our ability to grow food, access clean water, withstand climate change, maintain a stable economy, and ensure the health and wellbeing of generations to come in Wales.”

Organisations are calling for stronger support for farmers and communities to restore nature, alongside tougher action to hold polluters to account. The open letter stresses that while communities are under strain, people across Wales continue to show resilience, care, and creativity.

It argues that the major challenges facing Wales, from the cost-of-living crisis to climate change and nature loss, are deeply connected and must be tackled together.The organisations are calling on every political party to show leadership and present credible, joined-up plans that reflect shared challenges and shared responsibility.

The letter concludes: “Wales requires leadership from every party. Wales needs credible plans that recognise shared challenges and commit to tackling them together.”