Two World Service Delegates, members elected to represent Australia internationally, have represented Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Australia at the 29th World Service Meeting, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 4–8 October 2026.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who help each other stay sober and recover from alcoholism. It is run entirely by its own members, charges no fees or dues, and is self-supporting through members’ own contributions. Anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome to come along to a meeting, with no obligation of any kind.
The meeting brought together 84 representatives from 56 countries under the theme “Guided by all 36 Principles”, reflecting the three sets of principles that guide AA: the Twelve Steps for personal recovery, the Twelve Traditions that keep AA groups united, and the Twelve Concepts that guide how AA’s services are run.
For Australia, the meeting provided an opportunity to share the experience and progress of AA in Australia while learning from the experience of AA communities around the world.
Australia has approximately 18,000 AA members, with around 2,000 meetings taking place each week. Worldwide, Alcoholics Anonymous has more than 2 million members in more than 180 countries.
“Australia’s participation in the World Service Meeting gives us an opportunity to share what we are learning here in Australia while listening to the experience of AA
communities across the world. It is an important part of how AA continues to learn, adapt and reach people who are still struggling with alcohol,” said one of Australia’s World Service Delegates.
The World Service Meeting is held every two years and provides a forum for delegates from around the world to share their collective experience and consider issues affecting Alcoholics Anonymous in the modern world.
AA’s international links have been part of its story in Australia from the beginning. When AA started in Australia in 1945, it was with help, encouragement and literature from AA members in North America. Taking part in the World Service Meeting is one way Australian AA passes that help on, by supporting AA in countries where it is still small or just getting started, and by learning from the experience of AA communities around the world.
Among the topics considered during the 2026 meeting were country highlights, translating and licensing AA literature in other languages, the role of online groups within the AA structure, Public Information (how AA provides accurate information about itself to the public and the media), and safeguarding.
The 2026 meeting also welcomed representatives from Barbados, Costa Rica, the
Philippines, Fiji, MERCAA (Middle Eastern Region Countries of Alcoholics Anonymous), Israel and Kenya.
Australia’s place in the Asia Oceania region
Alcoholics Anonymous’ international service structure is organised across four geographical regions. Australia forms part of the Asia Oceania Service Meeting (AOSM), the largest geographical region.
In the years between World Service Meetings, countries meet in their own regions, known as zones. In 2027, Australia’s World Service Delegates will attend the AOSM meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
These international service meetings allow AA communities to share their experience and learn from one another while staying focused on AA’s single purpose: helping people who still suffer from alcoholism.
Looking ahead
The next World Service Meeting is scheduled to be held in New York, USA, in 2028.
About us:
For information about Alcoholics Anonymous in Australia, visit:
aa.org.au
Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who share their
experience, strength and hope with each other so they may solve their common problem and
help others recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to
stop drinking. There are no dues or fees; AA is self-supporting through its own members’
contributions and does not accept outside money. AA is not allied with any religion, political
organisation or institution, and members remain anonymous. In Australia, people can find a
meeting near them, in person or online, at aa.org.au.
Anyone who wants help with a drinking problem is welcome at an AA meeting.
Contact details:
Neil Schafer
Ph: 0403 227 667
