2026 World Assembly in the Netherlands. Carina Aaltonen is the first woman to be elected Chair of Emmaus International
Paris, 22 April 2026 – Emmaus International’s 2026 World Assembly was held last week in Someren in the Netherlands, bringing together over 450 participants representing over 260 organisations from over 40 countries. This major event took stock of the initiatives carried out around the world, reaffirmed the organisation’s joint commitments, and mapped out the upcoming opportunities to confront social, economic and environmental challenges.
Carina Aaltonen’s election as Chair of Emmaus International was a highlight of this Assembly. She is the manager of Emmaus Åland, located on an island between Finland and Sweden, and has now become the first female Chair since Emmaus was founded in 1971. Carina Aaltonen possesses six years of experience as Chair of Emmaus Europe, and a strong political background as a former Minister of Social Affairs and Environment of Åland. She has a politically conscious vision which integrates environmental issues, human rights and the fight against poverty.
During her speech, she reminded us of Emmaus’s collective strength: “Emmaus groups are showing that it’s possible to live together, to work together, no matter where we come from, the colour of our skin, or what kind of gender we belong to. We can change this world!”
She succeeds Patrick Atohoun, who is the manager of Emmaus Pahou in Benin and who has completed two terms as Chair of the Movement. During his ten years in this role, the international network was strengthened and increased action was taken against global crises.
An appeal for peace before an activist round table in Eindhoven.
On 14 April 2026, at the Effenaar in Eindhoven, the evening opened with a symbolic initiative calling for peace now, given the international context of rising conflict. This appeal was even more urgent since several crises have direct conflicts on Emmaus groups.
A round table was then held, with a full house of 360 audience members. The journalist Christianne Alvarado moderated the discussion on Emmaus’s three main work areas: social and environmental justice, education and migration, with a focus on freedom of movement.
The audience particularly appreciated that the speakers’ remarks were rich and complemented one another, while highlighting the Movement’s diverse involvement around the world and the relevance of its actions tackling current issues.
