Another World is Possible

The World Social Forum is ‘an open meeting place for reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences and inter-linking for effective action, by groups and movements of civil society that are opposed to neo-liberalism and to domination of the world by capital and any form of imperialism, and are committed to building a society centred on the human person’. (From the WSF Charter of Principles)

Background

The first edition of the World Social Forum (WSF) was held in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do sul, Brazil from 25-30 January 2001 in opposition to the World Economic Forum held in Davos. The success of the first WSF led to the formulation of a Charter of principles that guaranteed WSF a permanent space, and process for seeking the construction of alternatives of a world wide nature. The International Council of WSF was established in 2001 integrated by thematic net works or organisations that accumulated fundamental knowledge and experience to give thought to alternatives to globalization. WSF 2002 and 2003 were also held in Brazil while 10 other Regional and thematic forums were held in Africa, Pan Amazon, Europe, Palestine, Asia, since 2001. The Asian Social Forum was held in Hyderabad from 2-7 January 2003. (From the Brochure)

Another World is Possible was the theme for the 4th World Social Forum which took place from 16 to 21 January 2004 in Mumbai, India, and attracted more than one hundred thousand people from all over the world. Several Presentation Sisters, students and associates took part. The following ideas and personal reflections are from sisters and their associates who took part in the forum:

‘For me, the 6 days at the NESCO grounds was an experience of a new world where child laborers, youth, intellectuals and activists, grassroots groups, agrarian groups, educationalists, journalists, indigenous peoples, scientists, researchers, economists, human rights activists, people of all sizes, colours and hues, from all continents of the world gathered together to question the supremacy of the present global economic regime … and announce the dawn of a more egalitarian and earth friendly society.’

Issues discussed

The major issues discussed were militarization, war and peace, globalization, economic and social security, food sovereignty, natural resources. Various organizations dealt with issues such as HIV/AIDS, human rights, sexuality, socialism today, agriculture after Cancun, anti-neoliberalism in Europe and in Asia, and many others.

Globalization was a theme running through all debates, with the call against Liberalisation, Privatization and Globalization echoed in all seminars. On a positive note, globalization has connected world markets. It has made information accessible throughout the whole planet. However, negative impacts that have resulted from globalization are unemployment, low prices for agricultural goods, low wages for workers in manufacturing sectors. A new ideology needs to be developed, one that does not treat human beings simply as consumers, countries as markets, the public sector of a country as a tradeable item that can be handed over to multinational companies. Some aspects of Globalization and Women that were discussed were land, water, employment, food security, violence. There needs to be equality and dignity for everyone.

HIV/AIDS was discussed in workshops under the headings: Human Rights and AIDS; Challenges of a Global Crisis; Migrant Workers and HIV/AIDS; Access to Treatment; Strengthening Women to Face the Challenges of HIV/AIDS.

Another important area of debate was displacement of people due to developmental projects.

Debates and seminars on water, linking people and not rivers, were very powerful. The need to educate people on the treaties that are being signed by governments to privatize water was another major concern – how to make local people aware of the danger of not having the right over the natural resources in their own area or the right to make decisions over these resources.

Transforming Education for Democracy was organised by Paulo Freire’s group from Brazil. We need to have a social norm that all children go to school. Schools are intercultural capital and should become radical institutions. Paulo Freire’s method of education is an answer to the challenges we face today as it creates critical thinking and helps the students to be self-reliant. We are called to live in this society monitoring, critiquing and directing it.

The Role of Spirituality and Development; Wisdom, Healing, Spirit and Nature: When we look around the world today we see that spirituality has been excluded from developmental work. Development will be faster with growth in spirituality. The world went ahead in pursuit of progress materially. Today the world has realized that there is emptiness in spite of all the progress. The prophetic tradition of spirituality is very important. We need a spirituality of the marginalized, of suffering and struggle, one that sees meaning in pain and suffering; one that allows social analysis; one that connects us to the rest of creation; one that is other-centered; one that ensures development that celebrates life, that is accessible to all people; one that does not condemn or hate anyone and that heals both the oppressor and the oppressed.

People in their own way voiced their struggles and pains and demands, but who is listening to their cries? Who will find a solution for all these? The awakening has to start from within, each one has to take a step forward; nothing will happen from above; the people themselves have to stand up and fight together.

‘Through songs, dances, street plays, films, poster exhibitions, slogans and rallies, seminars and workshops, people made their voices heard.’

Message to the World

We want a world of peace, a world of compassion, justice and equality, a new world in which every child can go to school, every person can raise his/her voice and be listened to. We will fight with commitment, with unity and strength, not with weapons and wars. We want leaders whose ears are opened and whose eyes are cast down on their people, their pain and struggle. We want a globalization where everyone’s stomach is filled and all live in peace and harmony with no more wars.

I was touched when I saw that every area of life where people were struggling was brought to light at the WSF, e.g. the displacement of people, denial of basic human rights, water for the privileged, role of education in civil society, globalization and education, micro-credit, child labour, domestic workers, gender justice and globalization, mining, spirituality, health. I felt bonded to people all over the world as I realized that the people from the developing countries and the developed countries are facing the impact of globalization.

There is enough room in this world for differences, and diversity is an integral part of the richness of life. We need to expand our own mental space to welcome differences and diversity. We need to see the world with different eyes and need to open our ears and hearts to the waves of pain and resurgence of hope. Another world IS possible. We need to change our mindset and make space for all on this planet to which every living being has a right. Let us not do violence to ourselves or to others and then there will be true harmony.

Return to UN Connections Archive