[1] The concept for GCAP emerged in 2003 at a meeting of non-governmental organizations in Maputo, Mozambique, hosted by advocate for women's and children's rights, Graca Machel.

[1] The campaign was established at a conference in Johannesburg, South Africa in late 2004 and officially launched on January 1, 2005, during the World Social Forum in Brazil.

[1] GCAP faced challenges in the years following its establishment, notably an identity crisis in 2006-2007 when attempting to transforming that momentum into a global coalition.

However, it persevered and in 2007, issued the Montevideo Declaration, advocating for democratizing global governance processes to prioritize equity, human security, and inclusion.

[citation needed] Global Call to Action Against Poverty advocates for: The campaign is guided by the Beirut Platform, established during GCAP's review session in March 2006.

[citation needed] Throughout 2005, GCAP mobilized millions through a series of 'White Band Days', when the symbol was used to highlight the injustice of global poverty.

The main body of the UK programme for the 50 Global Days of Action currently features 23 events, with over 50 NGOs and civil society organisations involved to date.

These will be supported by organisations and networks including ActionAid, WaterAid, Jubilee Debt Campaign, Stop Aids Campaign, DEA, Muslim Aid, Quaker Peace and Social Witness, CND, Skillshare, TIDAL, AMREF, Micah Challenge, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, the Diocese of London, Pants To Poverty Archived 27 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine, and the International Young Professionals Association.