European Social Forum1 October 2004
The European Social Forum (ESF) in London brings together thousands of campaigners, activists and concerned individuals to discuss issues such as the environment, globalisation and war.
The ESF will culminate on Sunday 17th with a march through central London and rally in Trafalgar Square.
Burning heat: Infernal combustion installation
Friends of the Earth at the ESF
Friends of the Earth, alongside many other groups, has been involved in the organising of the ESF.
At the ESF, Friends of the Earth will be:
- Exposing impacts of the oil economy with "Infernal Combustion" (pictured above) an art installation about Nigerian gas flaring which Shell continues despite years of protest - sound, smell, heat and visuals come together to make a memorable experience.
- Co-organising 23 environment seminars and workshops on issues such as climate change, corporate power and GM.
- Running a stall full of materials, information and campaign resources.
Why should I go to the ESF?
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- For inspiration and motivation.
- To meet like-minded people from across Europe (and the world).
- To learn more about issues from climate change to Palestine, human rights to economics.
- To have a good time and be part of a powerful movement for change.
A new way of working together - when and why did it come about?
Jan 1999 - 20,000 people attend the first World Social Forum (WSF) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Meeting annually on the ski slopes in Davos, the politicians and business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) stitch up the future of the planet.
A new approach is needed and the WSF is set up as a people's alternative to the WEF - to discuss positive solutions to the world's problems and to share ideas, networks and plans.
The city of Porto Alegre is known for its "participatory budget" which makes it possible for everyone to have a real say over how money is spent in housing, transport, environment, education, health care. It is a living example of one other possible world and is a great backdrop for the WSF.
2002 - first European social forum in Florence, Italy. At the WSF in 2001 it is decided to hold a European Social Forum (ESF) - a regional spin-off from the WSF - the following year. Meanwhile, in Italy social forums (notably the Genoa Social Forum, set up to protest the G8 meeting held there in 2001), have sprung up around the country. Italy is ready for something bigger and agrees to host the first ESF.
Nearly 50,000 people attend
Jan 2004 - WSF, now in its fifth year moves to Mumbai, India. After four major events in Porto Alegre, the WSF organisers agree that WSF needs to travel the world. India, which has already hosted the Asian Social Forum the previous year and which is in the grips of mass privatisation of its public services, makes a great host.
A phenomenal 75,000 people attend for a week of culture, colour and campaigns.
14-17 Oct 2004 - third European social forum coming to London London, with the City and stock exchange, is a key and aggressive driver of corporate globalisation. The ESF organisers agree to hold the third ESF in the belly of the beast. Don't miss it!
Click here to find out more about the European Social Forum.
Find out what Friends of the Earth is doing at the ESF
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Images: © Friends of the Earth
© Friends of the Earth
