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World Social Forum 2007

Thema: Sozialforum
von luigi 2. Februar 2007

Report by Peter Hesse

Instead of the expected 100,000 participants “only” 50,000 appeared, many of them from African countries, especially from Kenya. Altogether, there were 1411 registered organizations, 173 groups and 1315 “activities”.

From the Americas Brazil was the country best represented. There were about 80 participants and 30 groups from Germany who organized 50 seminars and workshops. The German trade unions were especially well represented. Other organizations at the WSF were the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, some church organizations and (as always) Attac.

All issues relevant to the “basic needs” were discussed at the WSF, as was the current unjust world order, “neo colonialism” and human rights. Environmental issues were less discussed than at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The organizational structure was traditionally hierarchical. It was claimed that the organization committee was made up of only a few Africans. Quite contrary to the WSF in Porto Alegre, the Kenyan population was not at all involved. The procedure of paying the - relatively high - participant’s fees was a prime example of disorganization and chaos.

The many, very friendly, volunteers were poorly informed. Although, the program was available at the first day, there were many mistakes, likewise in the German program. The shuttle service to the hotels worked very well and was especially helpful.

Due to the long distance to the city center (about 10 kilometers), the early workshops were not very frequented. This was probably the reason why only 30 people attended my workshop titled “Oeco-social market-system - to replace worldwide market fundamentalism” on the subject of the Global Marshall Plan. However, these were very interested and we had a lively discussion.

More people found their way to my second workshop called “High quality Early Childhood Development for all”.

Peter Hesse
Düsseldorf
28 January 2007

Quelle: Global Marshall Plan Initiative

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