Nigeria is set to participate in the 17th World Social Forum (WSF 2026) with a 120-member delegation as the country intensifies efforts to strengthen its voice in global development discussions and promote its cultural, tourism and investment potential.
The forum, scheduled to hold from August 4 to 8 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, is expected to attract participants from more than 130 countries.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the chief host of the Nigerian delegation and focal person of the Nigeria Platform for the 17th World Social Forum Coordination Team, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, said the country’s participation would showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, grassroots innovations and commitment to sustainable development.
She added that the delegation would also campaign for Nigeria to host a future edition of the World Social Forum.
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Mohammed described the WSF as one of the world’s largest gatherings of civil society organisations, governments, academics, labour unions, youth groups, women, indigenous communities and development partners committed to addressing global social and economic challenges.
According to her, the return of the forum to West Africa provides an opportunity for the region to demonstrate African-led solutions to issues such as peace and security, democratic governance, climate change, food security, social justice and inclusive development.
She disclosed that the Nigeria Platform, coordinated by the Global Convergence for the Struggles of Land, Water and Seeds-West Africa (CLTE-WA), would organise the fifth West African Caravan ahead of the forum.
The caravan is expected to depart Abuja on July 30, passing through Benin City and Lagos before arriving in Cotonou.
Mohammed said participants would include youth leaders, women, farmers, labour unions, persons with disabilities, traditional institutions, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, media practitioners and civil society organisations, with the aim of promoting regional integration and people-to-people cooperation.
She also announced plans to establish a Nigeria Village at the forum to showcase the country’s culture, cuisine, creative industries, entrepreneurship, agricultural potential and investment opportunities to participants from across Africa and beyond.
The ambassador appealed to government institutions, development partners, the private sector, educational institutions, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations and the media to support Nigeria’s participation.
Describing the 2026 edition as historic, Mohammed said it would provide opportunities to attract strategic partnerships and practical solutions capable of accelerating national development.
She added that the delegation, drawn from civil society organisations and networks across the 36 states, would return with recommendations to address critical development challenges facing Nigeria and the African continent.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Global Tourism Ambassador, Phillip Roberts, said the delegation would leverage the forum to promote Nigeria as a leading destination for tourism, culture and investment.
The Communications Officer of World Social Forum Nigeria, Jeremiah Agala, said discussions at the forum would focus on human rights, land rights, economic inclusion and other social issues affecting communities, particularly women and young people.
Similarly, the National President of the Tomato and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria, Oyeleke Bolajo, said the event would provide a platform to showcase Nigeria’s agricultural innovations and attract partnerships capable of boosting agribusiness, youth empowerment and investment in the sector.
On his part, Chief Are Oluwasegun Oyedijo, a member of the Nigerian delegation’s planning committee, said his organisation would focus on strengthening the institutional capacity of civil society organisations to enhance their effectiveness and social impact.
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