WSF opens in Brazil under anti-war banner

Catholic New Times, Feb 9, 2003

PORTO ALEGRE -- Agence France reported that tens of thousands of anti-globalization activists gathered to renew their vows against big business and express concern at the prospect of war against Iraq. The World Social Forum opened at Catholic University to a flurry of anti-war banners. "Peace and an anti-war position are being outlined as the main theme," organizer Sergio Haddad said.

At the opening ceremony, organizers released a survey of 15,000 people in 15 countries that found six in 10 people believe social issues should take precedence over globalization and economic growth.

"The survey shows how in tune we are with the thoughts of society, with ordinary people, and it shows us that this is a movement we must believe in," said Candido Grzybowski, one of the poll's organizers.

The forum runs for six days, and for the third year will seek to act as a counterweight to the World Economic Forum of business and economic leaders in Davos, Switzerland.

An 18-member delegation representing social justice concerns of Canadian churches arrived in Brazil, according to KAIROS Canada. Among the delegation were three nuns, St. Joseph Sisters Sue Wilson and Joan Atkinson of the London Diocese and Grey Sister Fay Edmunds of Pembroke, Ont.

"After participating for the third time at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, I'm going to Davos to show that another world is possible.

"Davos should listen to Porto Alegre," new Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva said in a statement.

"Just as a new social contract is needed in Brazil, a global pact is needed to reduce the distance between rich countries and poor countries.