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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Nigeria will make history next month as it participates for the first time as a unified national delegation at the 17th World Social Forum, with about 120 delegates expected to represent the country at the global gathering in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The five-day forum, scheduled for August 4 to 8, 2026, will bring together participants from over 130 countries to discuss social justice, human rights, food security, gender equality, youth development and sustainable development.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chief Host of the Nigerian delegation, Ambassador Zainab Muhammed, said the country’s participation offers a rare opportunity to rebrand Nigeria’s image, showcase its investment and tourism potential, and strengthen its leadership role in Africa.
She said Nigeria would use the platform to project a positive narrative about the country while lobbying to host a future edition of the World Social Forum.
According to her, this year’s participation is historic because Nigerian organisations will attend as one coordinated delegation instead of participating individually, enabling them to speak with one voice and return with practical solutions to national and continental challenges.
“Every country will be showcasing its strengths. Nigeria will present itself as a destination for investment, peace and sustainable development,” she said.
Muhammed stressed that dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving global social challenges, describing the World Social Forum as a platform for collaboration, peaceful engagement and the exchange of ideas.
She said the Nigerian delegation would participate in discussions on social justice, food sovereignty, food security, women’s empowerment and youth development.
“We are going together as one team and will return with one voice and practical solutions that can be implemented in Nigeria and across Africa,” she added.
She disclosed that the delegation would depart Abuja on July 30, travelling through Benin City and Lagos before arriving in Cotonou as part of the 5th West African Caravan to the World Social Forum.
Muhammed also praised the Republic of Benin for facilitating seamless visa processing for Nigerian participants, saying the gesture demonstrated support for regional cooperation.
Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Chief Phil Roberts, said the delegation intends to challenge negative global perceptions about Nigeria by showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, tourism assets and economic opportunities.
“We are going to reassure the world that Nigeria remains the Giant of Africa. We want to change the narrative about our country by showcasing the many positive things Nigeria has to offer,” he said.
Roberts disclosed that the delegation would also intensify efforts to secure hosting rights for a future edition of the World Social Forum, urging government agencies, development partners and Nigerians in the diaspora to support the campaign.
He argued that Africa’s challenges, including youth unemployment, gender inequality, poor access to finance and land ownership, require practical, home-grown solutions developed by Africans.
According to him, ideas generated at the forum would be adapted to local realities and replicated across communities to drive sustainable social development.
“Our objective is to ensure that the conversations translate into practical solutions that improve the lives of people in local communities. We want these ideas to become policies and programmes that drive real social change,” Roberts said.
Communications Officer for the World Social Forum Nigeria, Jeremiah Agala, said the event would bring together participants from around the world to deliberate on issues ranging from human rights and land rights to food security, gender equality and economic inclusion.
He added that Nigeria’s delegation reflects broad national participation, with representatives from non-governmental organisations across the 36 states of the federation, underscoring the country’s commitment to inclusive engagement and collective action on global development issues.
