On 18 February 2026, the BWI Regional Office in South Africa held a meeting that brought together the 3F leadership, comprising Regional Coordinator Bjørn Haar and Regional Programme Officer Wiseman Mavundla. They were joined by BWI Regional Representative Garikanai Shoko and Regional Education Officer Boitumelo Tsotetsi. The meeting assessed the progress of the groups’ joint programmes and defined the path forward for labour solidarity in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Southern Africa. The gathering also introduced Mikkel Balslev as the new International Advisor for 3F.

A central theme of the discussion was the continued commitment of 3F and BWI to building democratic, independent, and sustainable unions capable of navigating complex political and socio-economic realities, as well as emerging trends. Representatives from both 3F and BWI provided an analysis of the current regional context, noting that while instability persists in areas such as Gaza and Lebanon, existing project support remains strong. The discussions also focused on key thematic areas, particularly trends in the construction sector, where the informal economy continues to predominate. In response, BWI confirmed a strategic shift toward engaging associations and unions that originated in the informal sector. By examining those that have successfully transitioned into formal unions, the partnership seeks to develop new blueprints for collaboration and labour movement-building aimed at protecting the region’s most vulnerable workers.

The meeting also identified "Just Transition" and climate protection as top priorities, particularly concerning the safety of workers facing extreme heat and environmental shifts. This is being integrated with efforts to enhance migrant worker protections and embrace digitalisation. BWI affiliates are now increasingly utilising digital databases to collect and analyse labour information, while also deploying online education platforms. These tools allow workers to participate in remote training and earn certified credentials, bridging the gap between rural work sites and formal union education.

Inclusivity was a major point of reflection, specifically regarding disability rights in the workplace. While some progress has been achieved, the organisations’ representatives acknowledged that much more work is required to ensure that construction sites and union structures are genuinely accessible. The meeting concluded with a review of key achievements and impacts from both the MENA and Southern Africa programmes. 3F emphasised the necessity of harvesting these successes, documenting tangible impacts on working conditions to provide the evidence needed to secure continued and expanded financial support from international donors for future programme cycles.