| The World Social Forum |
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The WSF brings together social movements and activists in an attempt to find alternative solutions for the global problems inflicted by the very business and political elites meeting in Davos in the same period. Previous editions of the WSF have brought representatives from social movements from around the world in the search for alternatives for consumerism with a view of also protecting the environment. Democratic movements are now central to the social struggle, together with widespread demonstrations around Europe and the US against the extensive use of neoliberal dogma. Recent mobilizations such as the Occupy movement bring hope in this respect, indicating the existence of positive values such as empathy for the suffering of others, solidarity, equality, justice and environmental protection. A positive signal was also sent by President Dilma of Brazil who chose to address the Forum instead of accepting an invitation to Davos — although Brazil is seen to be an important actor in the global economy. The dynamics of the WSF 2012 was based on thematic groups, built on four transversal axes: ethical and philosophical: subjectivity, domination and emancipation; human rights, peoples, territories and defence of Mother Earth; production, distribution and consumption, access to wealth, common goods and economies in transition; and political subjects, architecture of power and democracy. The agenda included debates on the crisis of capitalism, sustainable development, climate change, but also book presentations, exhibitions, artistic workshops and performances. Sources:  |
As a preparatory activity for the Peoples' Summit of Rio+20, the World Social Forum (WSF) took place from 24-29 January 2012 in Porto Alegre, Brazil with the theme: “Capitalist Crisis — Social and Environmental Justice”. The context in which this year’s edition took place is a growing belief that capitalism is in crisis and that it must scrap the neoliberal policies of austerity, tax increases, wage freezes and unemployment driving measures.