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12 September 2026: From West Africa to Geneva: Bringing the Learning Home

Writer: Muziwanele Thando Ngwenya
Muziwanele Thando Ngwenya
5 days ago
2 min read

What happens when the profound lessons of grassroots communities in West Africa meet the global stage in Geneva?


Returning from this year’s One Home Journey (1HJ) West Africa Season—spanning Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire—Home for Humanity Co-Founders Alexander Schieffer and Rama Mani were warmly welcomed at Geneva Airport by dedicated members of the Home for Humanity Earth Family Association.


A Delegation of Global Visionaries

This was far more than a simple airport welcome. The welcoming delegation included remarkable leaders from across global civil society:

  • Jean Fabre: Co-President of the Earth Family Association, former senior UNDP executive, and Founder of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty (WACAP).

  • Cyril Ritchie: First Vice-President of CoNGO (Congress of NGOs accredited to the UN).

  • Dr. Debbie King: Host of ConsciousCafe Geneva.

  • Chris Burton: Geneva lead for Inner Development Goals (IDG) Switzerland.


Reflection and Strategic Foresight

The arrival quickly transformed into an immediate, intense conversation of reflection, integration, and strategic foresight.

The core question on everyone's mind: What have five weeks of deep encounters with communities, youth, women leaders, Indigenous wisdom holders, social entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and municipalities across West Africa taught us? And what are the consequences for the next phase of the One Home Journey?



The Evolution of Earth Citizenship

At the heart of this conversation was the continued evolution of Earth Citizenship. This is not simply an abstract idea, but a lived practice and a growing movement. It is rooted in our unique cultures and communities, yet reaches beyond borders, inviting citizens everywhere to actively shape a more regenerative, inclusive, just, and peaceful future.

The West Africa Season powerfully affirmed that Earth Citizenship comes alive when people move along a continuum of action—from belonging, to participation, to responsibility. It requires us to care simultaneously for our:


  • Inner Home: Cultivating personal peace and purpose.

  • Local Home: Transforming our immediate communities.

  • Earth Home: Protecting our shared planet for all life.


The physical journey through West Africa may have ended, but its learning is only just beginning to unfold. 🌍 Stay tuned as we begin to translate these profound lessons into global action for our One Home Earth.

 
 
 

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