The 8th General Assembly of the WFFP officially commenced on November 14, 2024, in Brazil, marking the beginning of a week-long gathering that unites members from across the globe to discuss and address critical issues facing ocean, water, and fisher peoples. This year’s assembly, running through November 21, includes a diverse range of activities and sessions designed to foster solidarity, exchange knowledge, and develop collective solutions to challenges such as ocean grabbing, the climate crisis, and food sovereignty.
Pre-Assembly Day: Coordinating Committee Meeting
Before the assembly officially opened, November 13, 2024 saw the Coordinating Committee (CC) meeting where WFFP support persons and rapporteurs gathered to prepare for the week ahead. With Carsten Pedersen and Susan Herawati supporting the session, and Katie and Paula serving as rapporteurs, the CC worked diligently to finalize the program details and address logistical matters for the upcoming assembly.
Day 1: Women’s, Indigenous Peoples’, and Inland Fishing Assemblies
The first day of the General Assembly was dedicated to specific thematic groups, beginning with the Women’s Assembly in the morning. Led by Jesu Rethinam Christy, Ravadee Presertcharunsok, and Susan Herawati, the session created a space for women to discuss the unique challenges they face in the fishing communities, with a focus on empowering women and fostering leadership roles within the movement.
In the afternoon, the Indigenous Peoples Assembly took place, with Christiana Saiti Louwa, Estefania Nareaz, Jason Jarvis, Sherry Pictou, and Morgan Brimacombe coordinating discussions on how Indigenous communities are deeply connected to oceans, rivers, and lakes, and how they can play a key role in the fight for justice and environmental preservation.
Later in the day, the Inland Fishing Assembly convened for a session led by Yasmeen Sha, Christiana Saiti Louwa, and Velia Lucidi, focusing on the issues facing inland fisher peoples and how to strengthen their voices within the broader WFFP movement.
The day concluded with a meeting of WFFP office-bearers and MPP (Movement for People’s Power) from 19:00 to 21:00, offering an opportunity for leadership to come together and strategize.
Day 2: Youth Assembly and Inaugural Ceremony
Friday, November 15, kicked off with the Youth Assembly, a session for delegates under the age of 40, coordinated by Jones Spartagus and Carmen Mannarino. This gathering allowed younger voices to discuss their perspectives on ocean and water justice, climate resilience, and sustainable fishing practices.
In the afternoon, the assembly’s Inaugural Ceremony took place, moderated by WFFP Co-chair Nadine Nembhard. The ceremony featured ancestral greetings from Christiana Saiti Louwa, an opening speech by Herman Kumara, WFFP’s General Secretary, and a welcome address by Josana Seraro Pinto from MPP. A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Thomas Kocherry Lifetime Award to Naseegh Jaffer for his longstanding commitment to the rights of fisher peoples.
The cultural program, a significant part of the assembly’s opening day, showcased Brazilian cultural performances and the opening of the Solidarity Market, providing attendees with a taste of the local culture and a chance to explore solidarity-based initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The 8th General Assembly continues over the coming days, with dedicated sessions focusing on key themes such as ocean grabbing, the climate crisis, and food sovereignty. Delegates will engage in panels, workshops, and discussions aimed at crafting actionable solutions to the urgent problems facing fishers and fisherwomen globally.
As the assembly progresses, it will serve as a powerful platform for marginalized communities—particularly women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and inland fishers—to elevate their voices and advocate for policies that protect the oceans, rivers, and lakes that sustain them.
The World Fisheries Day celebration on November 21 will conclude the event with a mass rally and public festivities, bringing attention to the struggles and resilience of fisher peoples around the world.
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