09/08/2026
Social Protection Under Fire: Grassroots Voices and Collective Resilience
On 6 August 2026, the second-day session of the World Social Forum 2026 in Benin brought together grassroots voices, workers, civil society organisations and social movements to advance collective advocacy for universal social protection in times of crisis and emergencies.
The session explored anti-austerity responses, discussed a Joint Declaration on Universal Social Protection, and highlighted the need to protect workers, migrants, women, informal workers, displaced communities and other vulnerable groups during war, conflict and economic crises. Participants called for stronger solidarity and sustained collective action to ensure that social protection remains a right and a public responsibility not charity or emergency relief. ✊🏽🌍
Together, we continue to build a stronger global movement for universal social protection, dignity, equality and justice for all.