It has been a while since our last blog post, but the journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with milestones, memories, and meaningful impact worth sharing.

In 2025, IWOC hosted Small World: WOW:  Women of the World, a vibrant celebration of global culture and womanhood. The event was a resounding success, raising ₦57,500,000 and enabling IWOC to support 25 charities across Nigeria. The impact of that evening continues to echo through the communities we serve, reaffirming our belief in the power of collective action.

Following WOW, preparations began for a truly special milestone, IWOC’s 30th Anniversary, set to take place on 7th February 2026. Our marketing team quickly got to work, while teams across décor, entertainment, operations, EXCO, and participating countries came together to reflect, brainstorm, and reimagine what this anniversary should represent.

From these conversations emerged our 2026 theme:

Pearls of Time — 30 Years of Giving

This theme speaks to the pearls of memories gathered over three decades and the threads of heritage that bind IWOC together. Like pearls formed gradually through time and care, our journey has been shaped by shared cultural bonds, lasting friendships, and a commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities. It reflects the unity between the Small World ladies, international partners, and local communities, and how, we can continue together to make a difference.

Our sponsors have played an invaluable role in this journey. Longstanding partners have remained steadfast in their support, while new sponsors joined with trust, seeing IWOC not just as an organisation, but as a platform for meaningful impact. Without their belief and generosity, this journey would not have been possible, and we remain deeply grateful.

One of the most treasured “pearls” to emerge from this anniversary season was the launch of our coffee table book in December:

Threads of the Journey

This beautifully curated publication captures three decades of IWOC’s story, documenting moments of service, culture, collaboration, and transformation. It is a keepsake that shows how a single pearl of kindness can grow into strings of togetherness, love, heritage, and lasting change. The book stands as both a celebration of our past and an inspiration for the future.

The significance of this milestone has been widely recognised, with generous media coverage highlighting IWOC’s journey and impact:

• THISDAY

https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/13/iwoc-marks-30-years-of-philanthropy-with-a-rousing-book-launch/

• The Guardian

https://guardian.ng/guardian-angels/iwocs-coffee-table-book-chronicles-30-years-of-charity-impact/

• BusinessDay

https://businessday.ng/bd-weekender/article/from-small-world-to-global-impact-iwocs-new-book-archives-30-years-of-life-changing-work/

• Vanguard

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/iwoc-marks-30th-anniversary-launches-new-book/

• The Nation

https://thenationonlineng.net/small-world-presents-threads-of-heritage/

 

As we look ahead to Small World at 30 on 7th February 2026, excitement continues to build. To read about Small World is to be enlightened. To witness it is to be captivated, by how one event, one idea, and one community can touch so many lives.

We invite you to be part of this living legacy.

Purchase Threads of the Journey as a personal keepsake or a meaningful gift, support IWOC’s charitable work, and join us as we continue to weave threads of heritage, compassion, and impact across communities.

Together, we celebrate the past, honour the present, and shape the future — 30 years of giving, and counting.