9th World Social Forum Kicks Off in Brazil

by dunk Mon Mar 02, 2009 15:16

A World Social Forum 2009 Report from Worcester (US) Indymedia
http://worcester.indymedia.org/node/46999

It is a vid summary, heres link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr9L6prAfI8

The World Social Forum, now in its 9th year of existence, provides and open space for alliance and movement building in the creation of another world based on solidarity, democracy and justice. Their slogan is that “Another World Is Possible”.

Over two hundred thousand participants came to Belém, the port city to the Amazon region, to participate in workshops, seminars, and performances of all kinds from January 27 to February 1st of this year. The strong presence and participation of indigenous groups from the Amazon regions brought a powerful energy to the mega conference.

Many participants found that workshop scheduling was disorganized and dominated by large non-governmental organizations, making it hard to find activities of interest in the official program.

The convergence of so many groups, however, did provide space for more spontaneous events, such as the “Days of Anarchism”, which held events just outside the forum in a community center along with residents of a nearby neighborhood who had been kept out of and not felt welcome at the official event.

It was in these spaces, and others within the youth camp and official forum that our film team found lively locations to show the trailer to our film, Ciclovida: Lifecycle – a documentary about a group of small Brazilian farmers who bicycle 6000 miles to gather natural seeds and expose the destructive force of monocultures to produce “biofuels”. It was well received and lasting connections were made.

Caption: Video Id: sr9L6prAfI8 Type: Youtube Video
Embedded video Youtube Video

by climate camp email list Tue Feb 03, 2009 13:49

Climate Justice Assembly Declaration
(from the climate camp email list)

Bélém, Brazil, 1 February 2009

CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW!

No to neoliberal illusions, yes to people's solutions!

For centuries, productivism and industrial capitalism have been destroying
our cultures, exploiting our labour and poisoning our environment.

Now, with the climate crisis, the Earth is saying "enough", "ya basta"!

Once again, the people who created the problem are telling us that they
also have the solutions: carbon trading, so-called "clean coal", more
nuclear power, agrofuels, even a "green new deal". But these are not real
solutions, they are neoliberal illusions. It is time to move beyond these
illusions.

Real solutions to the climate crisis are being built by those who have
always protected the Earth and by those who fight every day to defend
their environment and living conditions. We need to globalise these
solutions.

For us, the struggles for climate justice and social justice are one and
the same. It is the struggle for territories, land, forests and water, for
agrarian and urban reform, food and energy sovereignty, for women’s and
worker’s rights. It is the fight for equality and justice for indigenous
peoples, for peoples of the global South, for the redistribution of wealth
and for the recognition of the historical ecological debt owed by the
North.

Against the disembodied, market-driven interests of the global elite and
the dominant development model based on never-ending growth and
consumption, the climate justice movement will reclaim the commons, and
put social and economic realities at the heart of our struggle against
climate change.

We call on everyone – workers, farmers, fisherfolk, students, youth,
women, indigenous peoples, and all concerned humans from the South and the
North – to join in this common struggle to build the real solutions to the
climate crisis for the future of our planet, our societies, and our
cultures. All together, we are building a movement for climate justice.

We support the mobilizations against the G20 summit and on the global
crisis from 28 march to 4 April, and the 17 April 2009 mobilisation of La
Via Campesina.

We support the call for an International Day of Action in Defense of
Mother Earth and Indigenous Rights on 12 October 2009.

We call for mobilisations and diverse forms of actions everywhere, in the
lead up to, during and beyond the UN climate talks in Copenhagen,
especially on the Global Day of Action on 12 December 2009.

In all of our work, we will expose the false solutions, raise the voices
of the South, defend human rights, and strengthen our solidarity in the
fight for climate justice. If we make the right choices, we can build a
better world for everyone.

by dunk Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:46

(Rough) Translation from WSF, via Latin America TV: Telesur:
http://www.telesurtv.net/noticias/secciones/nota/41691-...dial/
(this is not a cut and paste, but a critical, cut, translation and paste... it is not currently in english, elsewhere)

+ related recent vid from Belem
FSM 2009 - Reunião entre Lula, Chavez, Correa, Lugo e Evo em Belém
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqroLv88EzM

Lula highlighted the role of Latin American presidents at the World Social Forum

Lula was pleased to see the maturity with which the continent has been able to choose their leaders without intermediaries years ago, when the rich countries, as Lula states. ''told us what we need in our poor countries''. ''They thought we were infallible and incompetent'' and added "Now the crisis is theirs, not ours."

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave his remarks at the World Social Forum held in the Brazilian city of Belem, in the presence of four other Latin American presidents, which highlighted the role played by their counterparts in each nation and for the merit of these have reached the head of state in a democratic manner.

Lula recalled that he had to go through four elections until the presidential chair of Brazil, where a worker was expected to achieve those aspirations metal mechanic.

In the same vein, outlined how the presidents of Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia rose to power backed by popular vote in a democratic and pluralistic.

"Chavez was the leader of the Venezuelan Army, he was beaten and arrested and in ´98 became president of the republic."

He also reflected on his election of Rafael Correa, "it was impossible to imagine a young economist could reach President of the Republic of Ecuador in a short time," adding that "the way an Indian won the presidency of Bolivia," in If the head of Bolivia, Evo Morales.

Lula emphasized the changes that have given the world to oppose the political reality of 40 years ago with the arrival in power in the U.S., Barack Obama.

"That means that things are changing rapidly with time and patience that we have to build what we build," said the president of Brazil.

He stressed the "undeniable progress made by Latin America with the victories of the leaders present at the World Social Forum.

Said that despite the differences that have kept Latin American leaders, the people continue to elect people committed to each country.

It was necessary to establish a new economic order is necessary and (...) it is imperative that we discuss a new economic order, which has a control on the financial market. "

Was pleased to see the maturity with which the continent has been able to choose their leaders without intermediaries years ago, when the rich countries "told us what we need in our poor countries," said Lula.

"They thought we were infallible and incompetent" and added: "Now the crisis is theirs, not ours."

"The crisis was not born by the Bolivarian socialism Chavez or Evo fighting (...), but by the bankruptcy, irresponsibility and lack of control of foreign powers."

Lula said as speculation increased the price of oil "and we are paying an exorbitant price."

He said that this crisis is serious and still do not know the substance. He said that "we are better able to end the crisis that the rich countries."

He indicated that Latin America is a great opportunity to build something different and rediscutir other issues such as political development of their economies.

"It is time to build, time to put money in the productive sector," said the president.

He urged his counterparts in this event, to solve the problem of poverty and education so that we can live better and with more dignity.

"The forum of 2 and 3, Chavez said, another world is possible, as we say today is not only possible, it is necessary," said Lula.

Brazilian President recalled that the people who decide and have the last word, "we tell you all that we are the residents and you are giving us the guidelines for Latin America and the World Social Forum alive," concluded Lula.

Lula (Brazil) @ WSF: "Now the crisis is theirs (the rich west), not ours."

Caption: Video Id: oqroLv88EzM Type: Youtube Video
Embedded video Youtube Video

by dunk Fri Jan 30, 2009 19:42

Democracy Now update + vids from today:

Latin American Leaders Criticize US at World Social Forum
In Brazil, the ninth World Social Forum continues in the Amazon city of Belem. On Thursday, a panel of Latin American presidents criticized the US for its role in the financial crisis and its double standards in allowing massive state intervention in financial markets. Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa spoke alongside Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Paraguay’s Fernando Lugo and Bolivia’s Evo Morales.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, : “The guilty parties in this crisis try to give lessons on morality and good economic handling. The most powerful people on the planet have united to find a therapy for the dying. They’re getting together—the central bankers, the representatives of the large financial firms, the people primarily responsible for the crisis."

Caption: Video Id: oqroLv88EzM&hl Type: Youtube Video
Embedded video Youtube Video

Caption: Video Id: wj-zD6PiiqY&hl Type: Youtube Video
Embedded video Youtube Video

by dunk Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:58

Great, have you links for this irish connection to the WSF.

Its a pity there is so little discussion about this important dialogue in Brazil, about the wider discussion which we could be having about whats going on in the world and what we can do about it. Anyway, nice to hear there is some interest...

Still IMC-ORG has not even a post on the right hand side, where current events are hilighted. I posted mail to imc-org and imc-ie about this, no response. I sent mail to Grassroots ireland, the new list, 1 response, so at least 1 person is trying to tune in...

If people think the whole WSF process is fucked, of no relevance to the Irish, and other negative views, at least, it would be good to have them aired here.

Forum ends this sunday, Imbolc, Brigids day.... maybe we are too far down the route of the death of Patchamama???

Reltated to belem:

Caracol, an alternative gathering that is happening in Belem as well, at the poor area of Outereiro.

Features in english about the Caracol:
http://www.indymedia.org/en/2009/01/919218.shtml

Last Features in Portuguese about it:
http://prod.midiaindependente.org/pt/blue/2009/01/43944...shtml

The agenda for the space:

Jan, 29 - 14hrs Caracol assembly in the beach / 17hrs MPL meeting - MPL
Free Public Transportation Movement from Brasil
Jan, 30 - 14hrs Caracol assemby in the beach / 17hrs IMC meeting -
Indymedia meeting
Jan, 31 - 14hrs discussion about zapatism / 16hrs carimbó pratice at
Tucuxi Barracao / 18hrs Free Radios Meeting
Feb, 01 - 14hrs Caracol assembly in the beach

During the mornings, they will take this time to meet the reality of the
local population and other actions to help build the structure of the
space - this space will be continue to exist as a community center for
the local population after the forum.

This agenda was created at a meeting that had 30 people, 15 men and 15
women, between them 2 men who are community leaders from communities
from the area.

Around 15 people are staying in a rent house ('base house' or 'casa
base'), and there is more space for people to stay and the social
movements spaces that are participating on the Caracol.

The 'base house' or 'casa base', has water, power and bathrooms working,
so it is already possible to take the radio and other equipments to there.

This update was sent by:

bjos e queijos
guile

by Reel good news Thu Jan 29, 2009 21:42

'Is Féidir Domhain eile a Chruthú (Another World Is Possible)' is an exhibition by Irish artists and filmmakers curated by Augustine O'Donoghue and Carol Anne Connolly that will be presented at the World Social Forum 2009, in Belem, Brazil. The exhibiting artists and filmmakers are Mark Clare, Carol Anne Connolly, Patrick Corcoran, Pauline Cummins, Paula Geraghty, Jessie Jones, Lisamarie Johnson, Glen Loughran, Donnacha O'Brien & Kim Bartley, Treasa O'Brien, Augustine O'Donoghue, the Rialto Women's History Project and Dominic Thorpe.'

There is a delegation of NCAD staff and students amongst other artists attending The WSF in Brazil.

by dunk Wed Jan 28, 2009 18:50

Files in english, spanish, portugese, supported by related articles.
found at: http://www.amarc.org/index.php?p=World_Social_Forum_200...afe=0

The World Social Forum has an urgent and crucial task: battling the social democratic response to the global crisis of capitalism now under way, and push for a democratic control of economy and state, worldwide, Filipino academic, author and activist Walden Bello
interview by: (Alejandro Kirk IPS/TerraViva/FdR)

http://www.foroderadios.org/images/audio/fdr_radio_tierra/01_entrevista_waldenbello.mp3

Embedded audio: http://www.foroderadios.org/images/audio/fdr_radio_tierra/01_entrevista_waldenbello.mp3

by dunk Wed Jan 28, 2009 18:15

found at http://wsftv.net/

Videographers, editors, and translators are collectively producing 4 - 5 minute clips,
highlighting the social forum events each day. The format for these clips will be
H.264-encoded .mov files. For more information about how to obtain these daily clips,
please respond directly to admin@dezo.tv

BELEM, BRAZIL (January 27, 2009) The Pan-Amazon will be the territory of the 9th edition
of the World Social Forum. For six days, Belem, the capital of Para, Brazil, takes the
place of the center of the region to shelter the greatest anti-globalization event of our
time in search for alternatives for another possible world, free of neoliberal politics
and all forms of imperialism. As stated by Pan-amazonian indigenous groups,

"The WSF is taking place in a context of several world crises: economic, energy,
environmental, cultural and political. All this indicates that we are facing a crisis of
the civilization model. Carrying on the way it is now renders life on planet Earth
unfeasible."

WSF TV : daily 4 - 5 minute clips

by dunk Wed Jan 28, 2009 17:01

Fotos - Forum Midia Livre - FSM Belem 2009
Por Henrique Parra 28/01/2009 às 12:32
http://www.midiaindependente.org/pt/blue/2009/01/439463...shtml

more at
http://www.cartamaior.com.br/templates/index.cfm?altera...ual=1

Many of my friends in BCN, if not the largest single nation group, happen to be Brazilian, some of them have worked with many of the tribes. As far as I am aware, Brazilian police can not enter tribal lands due to old laws. If im correct this is both a good and bad thing. On the one hand dodgy cops cant legally interfere with the goings on of tribal matters. On the other hand, which is bad for you and me, We all know imagine Brazil to be a tropical wilderness with millions of acres of untouched wilderness, forests, rivers, hi variety of plant and animal species, as well as huge human diversity with many "native" tribes still managing to hold on to their tribal customs and languages... But if you check out Brazil´s EPI (environmental performance index), it currently ranks 34 - http://epi.yale.edu/Brazil , this is due to the huge number of rainforest which is getting chopped. While trees live they sequester carbon from the atmosphere, ie stop global warming, but when they get chopped, that CO2 goes out into the atmosphere. There is a fair amount of illegal logging in Brazil, many argue, tribes are being used to gain "safe" entry to the trees, result is Brazil scores very bad on CO2 emmissions list..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Performance_...Index

Anyway, perhaps this is being discussed right now over there...

CMI-BRASIL : IMC-BRAZIL media space @ WSF 09

Land art in defence of the Amazon @ WSF 09

Indigineous tribes @ WSF 09