ILR World Social Forum 2009

The WSF has been criticized for producing few practical ideas and instead concentrating on general criticisms of neoliberalism and imperialism. After newly two full days at the forum, I completely disagree with this criticism. Yesterday I went to a session on Palestinian grassroots organizing and the prospects for change in Palestine. The activity aimed to bring together solidarity activities from across the globe to discuss the aims of solidarity, current activities, and effective ways to move forward. Panelists/unionists from Palestine, Jordan, Haiti, and Mozambique added to a discussion about global solidarity, war in the Gaza Strip, and the election of Barak Obama. It was an opportunity to fine tune the core issues that are important to the Palestinian workers and unionists there, including a major discussion about the Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU) and how the war in Gaza has devastated Palestinian farms. Check out the PFU website: www.pafu.ps. A second session today added to debate and allowed participants to draw up concrete action plans including boycotts and divestment/sanction activities against Israel (among others). It is important to note that leaders from these groups made it clear that it the past, few concrete projects or campaigns have been produced from the WSF. They hope this year will be different. This is exciting.

I also attended a seminar that acted a space for groups to discuss the financial crisis. In the words of the moderator: “We will build a joint set of demands and strategies for creating a global public finance system that will support another world, instead of just pursuing profit." Unfortunately I was unable to attend the entire seminar. However, I was able participate in an interesting discussion about alternatives to capitalist banks, including cooperative and mutual banks. Again, talk of real alternatives, real ideas, and real projects. This is good progress in my books.

My only real criticism of my seminars is in the make-up of the participants. There were very few people of color at most of my seminars. The discussions were largely dominated by white Americans, white Europeans, and white Brazilians. As a forum which seeks to empower and inspire people of color, indigenous people, and other minorities, these groups should be part of these types of discussions and should be making connections with unionists and activists from the Global North and other parts of the Global South. My hope is that it will be different over the next few days. The WSF is a great space to bring together a variety of networks and ideas to build collaboration and cooperation at the global level.

Enough for now. :) I'm off to catch a glimpse of Brazilian President Lula's speech. Maybe there will be translators?!?