Tunisia is set to host the International Meeting of SOS Children's Villages from September 26 to 29, 2026, in the city of Hammamet. The meeting, which carries the slogan "Every child has the right to a home," will bring together representatives of 28 SOS Children's Villages associations from various continents. The event aims to discuss issues related to childhood and the future of work in protecting children and supporting families.
The meeting will also be attended by members of the International Council of the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages, which comprises over 130 countries. This is significant as it marks the first time the council will hold a meeting outside of Vienna since the federation's establishment in 1949. The choice of Tunisia as the host country is a testament to the country's successful experience in childcare and its model of integrating the efforts of the SOS Children's Villages association with those of the state and its institutions.
The Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages emphasized the importance of this international event, citing the value of its content and the quality of its attendees, including members of the International Council. The association highlighted that the meeting provides an opportunity for Tunisia to share its experience and path towards independence, as well as exchange expertise with other countries.
The meeting will feature general sessions, discussions, and specialized workshops that will allow participants to share experiences and best practices. The event will also provide a platform for participants to explore ways to develop volunteer work, resource development, communication, and digital transformation. The meeting is expected to conclude with a set of shared orientations and partnership programs that will benefit threatened childhood.
The event will also include an activity dedicated to the experience of young people and students, where international delegations will meet with students from SOS Children's Villages clubs in Tunisia. This will provide an opportunity for young people to learn from each other's experiences and explore ways to implement similar initiatives in their own countries.
On the second day of the meeting, a gathering of SOS Children's Villages associations from West, Central, and North Africa will take place, bringing together association presidents, national directors, and members of the International Council. The meeting will discuss prospects for cooperation between national associations and the International Council, as well as share experiences and expertise on common challenges.
The SOS Children's Villages association currently provides care services to over 12,000 children and young people in Tunisia, while the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages provides services to nearly 8 million children, young people, and adults worldwide, including 6.5 million in Africa. The meeting in Tunisia underscores the importance of international cooperation and exchange of expertise in developing care and protection models for children.
Key points
- The International Meeting of SOS Children's Villages is being held in Tunisia from September 26 to 29, 2026.
- The meeting brings together representatives of 28 SOS Children's Villages associations from various continents.
- The event aims to discuss issues related to childhood and the future of work in protecting children and supporting families.
