ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Social Forum (NSF), has expressed solidarity with participants at the ongoing World Social Forum (WSF) in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting justice, equality, democracy, and inclusive development.
World Social Forum as a Democratic Platform
In a statement issued yesterday, the organisations described the World Social Forum as a vital democratic platform that has, since its inception in 2001, united citizens, social movements, civil society organisations, trade unions, women’s groups, youth networks, and indigenous peoples in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. The statement noted that the WSF’s enduring slogan, “Another World Is Possible,” continues to inspire communities confronting inequality, authoritarianism, climate change, and economic injustice across the globe.
Inspiration for Nigeria Social Forum
According to the organisations, the World Social Forum has also inspired the Nigeria Social Forum, providing a platform for Nigerians from different backgrounds to engage in dialogue, build alliances, and strengthen collective action for democratic transformation. They observed that millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with unemployment, insecurity, climate-related shocks, gender inequality, shrinking civic space, and poor governance, stressing that these challenges underscore the need for stronger solidarity among citizens and social movements.
Commendation for Civil Society Resilience
Despite the difficulties, the statement commended civil society organisations and grassroots movements for their resilience in mobilising communities, amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, defending human rights, and promoting peaceful democratic participation. The organisations emphasised that the struggles of workers, women, young people, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples are interconnected.
It stated: “When one voice is silenced, democracy grows weaker. When one community is left behind, the nation falls short of its promise. That is why solidarity is not optional; it is necessary.”
Call for Cross-Border Alliances and Action
ActionAid Nigeria urged participants at the World Social Forum to use the gathering to strengthen cross-border alliances that connect local struggles to global movements, develop practical strategies for protecting civic space, advancing climate justice, and demanding accountable governance, as well as translate the outcomes of the forum into concrete actions within their communities. The statement also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying, “We believe that another Nigeria is possible. A Nigeria where public institutions serve the people, where young people can realise their potential, where women participate equally in leadership, and where development leaves no one behind.”
ActionAid Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the World Social Forum Charter, including openness, pluralism, non-violence, solidarity, and participatory democracy. The statement was jointly signed by the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Comrade Andrew Mamedu; Chairman of the Nigeria Social Forum, Comrade Jaye Gaskia; Comrade Otive Igbuzor; Comrade Eze Nwangu; Comrade Priscilia Achakpa; Comrade Abiola Akiyode Afolabi; and Comrade Ene Obi.
