The World Social Forum movement has come quite a way since the first gathering took place in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001, and 20,000 odd people participated. At this year’s event in Nairobi, Kenya, the seventh edition of the World Social Forum (WSF), about 150,000 people showed-up, representing a very good cross-section of humanity. Indeed, the crowd that filled Uhuru Park, comprised an impressive collection of social activists, social movements, networks, coalitions and progressive types from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and all other corners of the African continent. Gathered in one place, together they embodied the WSF proclamation that “Together a Better World is Possible.” The main theme of this year’s WSF was ‘People’s Struggles, People’s Alternatives.’

      Development activists, human rights workers, poets, and social leaders all expressed their solidarity in the opening ceremony. A speaker from Europe set the tone early, addressing the crowd during the opening by saying: “The Europeans have much responsibility to shoulder. Can I ask you, our African friends, to forgive us for what our forefathers had done to you? Please forgive us for what many Europeans are still doing and what they are not doing. We commit our lives to struggle for change. Together we can make another world. Another world is possible.” Delegate after delegate from different continents spoke about the various struggles against the larger global forces, and to resist the culture of MNCs. Youth groups moved the throngs with their inspiring songs of hope.

      ‘Together Another World is Possible’ dominated all the slogans, and the subsequent discussions. As different as the people were, so too were the colorful T-shirts emblazoned with slogans and waving fiery flags. ‘People united, will never be defied’ – was one of the popular slogan.

      A Brazilian musical concert by a cultural organization inspired the people, just before the concluding remarks made by the former president of Zambia, Mr. Kenneth Kauda. The issue of HIV/AIDS dominated the opening speeches, with many speakers mentioning that prevention is better than a cure.