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World Social Forum happening right here in Pakistan!
What is World Social Forum?
The World Social Forum (WSF) is a gathering of people who believe that a fairer, more just, and more peaceful world is possible, and would like to work together to create such a world. That is why the slogan of the WSF is “Another World is Possible”. At the WSF people from all over the world gather to learn from each other, to hold discussions and make plans for alternative, better ways of running societies. This is done through speakers, discussions, workshops, debates, marches, and cultural events.
“A better world is possible!”
Find out more
Throughout this week you will keep hearing and seeing the words ‘World Social Forum’. Now that you know a bit about the event, find out more through the newspapers, TV and other sources. You could even attend a session you find interesting by asking your parents to take you to the WSF. Entry will be through a small charge at the door.
Find out which speakers/activists are coming from different places in Pakistan. Who are the speakers coming from other countries? What kind of cultural events will take place each day? Watch out for information through the media and the Internet. Follow the events, participate if possible!
Some themes of the WSF
The following themes are some examples of the issues taken up by WSF:
Humanism and peace
Terrorism and sectarian violence
Local disputes as conflicts
Small arms and light weapons proliferation
Education, health care
Fundamental rights of expression, speech
Problems of mega cities, including infrastructure, environment, transport, housing, violence, uncontrolled influx of population, etc.
“The World Social Forum, according to Chomsky, offers opportunities of unparalleled importance to bring together popular forces from … the richer and poor countries alike, to develop constructive alternatives that will defend the overwhelming majority of the world’s population from the attack on the fundamental human rights … and extend the domains of justice and freedom”. From the WSF website.
WSF in Karachi
Karachi should feel proud to host the WSF because over the past 5 years WSF has become an exciting, dynamic and important international annual event. It was first held in 2001 in Brazil. In 2004 it was held in Mumbai, India. This year the WSF was held in January in Bamako, Mali and Caracas, Venezuela. Pakistan is the third venue for the year.
WSF 2006 Karachi will be held on March 24-29. It will be a series of events that will be held at the KMC Sports Complex and its adjoining grounds. For more information about the registered events see http://www.wsf2006karachi.org/
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