Context and Background

Since its launch in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001 as an alternative to the annual meeting of corporate leaders and government officials at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the WSF has emerged as one of the more interesting and important civil society experiments on the planet.

Democracy and pluralism have remained strong characteristics of the WSF watchwords. To achieve the highest levels of diverse participation and discussion, organizers have been committed to keeping the WSF as an open reflective space, without the burdens of having to create a global action plan or a single comprehensive document.

The WSF has attracted increasing large numbers of delegates and other participants over the last six years, from around 16,000 people in 2001 to well over 100,000 in recent years. The event has also inspired hundreds of local, national and regional “social forums,” which have been organized throughout Europe, and in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.  A US Social Forum is planned for Atlanta at the end of June 2007.

The next WSF will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from January 20-25, 2007 (The funder delegation orientation will be held on January 19, and delegation members are asked to arrive in Nairobi by January 18).

Forum events will be held at three adjacent locations in central Nairobi: the Kenyatta International Conference Center, Uhuru Park and the Central Park.  FNTG WSF delegates will stay one block away, at the venerable Stanley Hotel.

The Nairobi Organizing Committee will offer a space to organizations and individuals from around the world, and the process of organizing and holding the forum will help to consolidate and advance the analysis and networking of social justice groups and movements in Africa. WSF organizers recognize the importance of Africa, North Africa and the Middle East to civil society efforts to influence globalization, promote peace and sustainable development, and it is expected that holding the Forum in Nairobi will significantly enhance participation by groups in Africa and adjacent regions.

More information on local organizing efforts can be found at http://www.socialforum.or.ke.