July 25-30, 2004
1st Americas Social Forum - Another America is Possible
20/07/2004
- Opinión
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE, is the motto that has brought
thousands of people together in the World Social Forum
initiative, which has held four events to date, three in
Porto Alegre, Brasil, and one in Mumbai, India. As part of
this initiative continental Forums are also taking place.
America will celebrate its first Forum in Quito.
Why do so many people worldwide feel drawn to this
initiative?
We can find the answer by observing the consequences that
neoliberal globalization has brought amongst our peoples.
Today there is much more poverty, and many of the riches of
our countries have gone straight into the hands of giant
transnational corporations; political institutions have
been undermined by corruption and a lack of credibility.
The world is much less secure, and we see war break out,
and different forms of violence, fundamentalism, and
terrorism are increasing. The natural world is
deteriorating and many human values such as solidarity,
cooperation, and fraternity disappear behind the
individualism and competition at all costs that is brought
with the predominance of the logic of the market.
Faced with this unjust situation, in which very few grow
richer and concentrate more power each day, while millions
are excluded and discriminated against, there is a hope
that has emerged all over the world, a path, a common
proposal that ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE.
In the space created by the Americas Social Forum, an OTHER
POSSIBLE AMERICA is thought and dreamed - more human, more
just, more democratic, without discriminations of any kind-
neither of gender, race, or ethnicity, nor for sexual
orientation; where human beings learn to live in harmony
with nature and our fellow beings. Alternatives, processes
and actions that bring us closer to this shared dream are
also being discussed.
In unity forged within a very ample diversity, workshops,
seminaries, panels, conferences, round tables and
testimonials are being developed. These events tackle the
issues that are of the most interest to the majority-
education for all, efficient and accessible health
services, the right to a worthy and dignified life, the
fight against poverty, creation of a true democracy, peace
and security for all. There are also artistic activites and
audiovisual presentations. There will be parties because we
are celebrating our cultural richness and the nobleness of
our goals.
Quito will receive thousands of sisters and brothers from
all parts of the continent, from Alaska to Tierra del
Fuego, who have chosen this city as the space in which to
think together and act in conjunction for the OTHER
POSSIBLE AMERICA.
https://www.alainet.org/en/articulo/110274?language=es