30.09.2025 WAwN Strengthens Regional Cooperation: First Inter-Organizational Conference Held in Togo

The idea for the WAwN network first emerged in 2016 in Accra, Ghana, and its foundations were laid in Lomé, Togo, in 2018. After a pandemic-induced pause, the network was officially relaunched in January 2025. The recent conference in Kpalimé, supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via Engagement Global and the German partner organisations AFS, IJGD, Bistum Münster, VIA, DRK MV, Norddeutsche Mission and Eine Welt Netz NRW e.V, served as a crucial step in formalizing the network's structure.

A key highlight of the conference was WAwN's first General Assembly, during which the network's statutes and internal regulations were adopted, its governance and vision were defined, and a new Board was elected. This marked the official launch of WAwN as a platform for cooperation, advocacy, and capacity building among organizations involved in the Weltwärts program.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity for member organizations to share experiences and build relationships, strengthening South-South solidarity and reinforcing a collective commitment to meaningful and transformative volunteerism. The conference solidified WAwN's role as a unified voice for African partner organizations within the Weltwärts program.

WAwN’s Vision and Mission

WAwN's vision is to become a strong, recognized platform that fosters sustainable intercultural cooperation and equal opportunities through international volunteering. Its mission is to promote mutual understanding, youth empowerment, and quality volunteering by supporting collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy among African partner organizations.

To achieve this, WAwN organizes regular meetings, peer learning workshops, and training sessions. The network also plays an active role in the development of Weltwärts policies, ensuring that the perspectives of Southern partners are heard and integrated.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, WAwN plans to expand its presence across more countries, formalize its governance, and develop common tools and standards for volunteer hosting. Future initiatives include creating a volunteer database, submitting joint South-North project proposals, and advocating for greater recognition of Southern-led initiatives.

WAwN is a network for West and Central African NGOs and civil society actors engaged in international volunteer exchanges funded by the weltwärts programme. It supports members through dialogue platforms, technical guidance on hosting volunteers, and joint initiatives. In return, members are encouraged to actively participate, share knowledge, and uphold shared values of solidarity, mutual respect, and transparency.

WAwN is actively exploring key questions for the future of volunteering, such as :

• How can we ensure reciprocity and equity in volunteer exchanges ?
• How can Southern voices be better integrated into Weltwärts governance?
• How can we improve the visibility of South-South volunteering?

The network is committed to fostering strong, cooperative relationships with other regional Weltwärts networks, aiming to contribute to a truly global network rooted in solidarity and meaningful volunteer engagement.