2026 World Social Forum: Emmaus International’s attendance in Cotonou
In August 2026, the World Social Forum was held in Benin for the first time, in Cotonou. The groups in Benin, the National Organisation and Emmaus International formed a delegation to elevate the Movement’s voice. This major civil society meeting included stands, a permaculture demonstration and workshops on health and women’s rights. Learn more about Emmaus’s experience and what it’s coming away with for the future.
Cotonou, a crossroads of social struggles
This summer, the economic capital of Benin hosted one of the largest international civil society gatherings: the World Social Forum (WSF). This was the first one held in the country, and a rare opportunity for West African movements to speak up on the world stage.
The WSF was began in 2001 in Porto Alegre, and since then has brought together organisations, unions, collectives and citizens around the shared belief that another world is possible. For Emmaus, participating in Cotonou was a given, since the Beninese groups have been working in this area for many years.
“A key moment for global civil society, the World Social Forum is a space to share experiences, join struggles, forge alliances and launch joint initiatives.”
Anaïs Gournay, Campaigning Activity Coordinator at Emmaus International
The Movement united in one delegation
Several levels of the Movement were involved in this forum. Members of the delegation included:
- The Emmaus groups in Benin Emmaus Tohouè, Emmaus Mobovome, Emmaus Pahou, Emmaus AFA, Emmaus Bénin, Sonagnon.
- The National Organisation of Emmaus Benin
- Emmaus International
The make-up of the delegation depicts what makes Emmaus powerful: it’s a network where local action and international commitment feed into each other. Over the course of several days, the delegation displayed its wide range of initiatives and opened dialogue with organisations from around the world.
A stand to showcase the Movement
The Emmaus stand was a rallying point, central to the forum. Visitors learned about the groups’ activities and underlying values: unconditional welcome, solidarity and combatting the causes of poverty. The stand was an informal spot where many people could meet and chat.
Composting and permaculture: concrete practices
The Beninese groups organised a full-scale demonstration of their composting and permaculture techniques. This knowledge shows that it’s possible to reconcile agricultural production, respect for the soil and economic independence. This is a concrete example of the Movement’s commitment to a just environmental transition.
Women’s empowerment and health access workshops
The delegation also ran workshops on two central issues of Emmaus action:
- Women’s empowerment, by sharing experiences of income-generating activities and support.
- Health access for all, a fundamental right, which the most vulnerable people are still too often refused.
These opportunities for exchange allowed participants to compare practices with other organisations and come up with collective solutions together.
Alliances for the future
Beyond the activities offered, the WSF was an invaluable opportunity to make connections with social movements from Africa and around the world. The connections made in Cotonou will open doors for possible collaboration.
They will also fuel the Movement’s campaigning and shore up its global civil society role.
Get a glimpse of the event
The stand, demonstrations, workshops and meetings can all be seen in this video looking back at these intense days experienced by the delegation.
