Posted on 26-10-2003

Another World Is Possible

The Social Forum Aotearoa aims to gather together people who share the desire for a world with more respect – for ourselves, each other and the environment. It is inspired by the World Social Forum, which has helped transform the globalisation debate.

Since the first World Social Forum in 2001 many national and regional Forums have been held around the world. Now New Zealand is to hold its first Social Forum - on the campus of Te Wananga O Aotearoa at Porirua, 21-23 November 2003.

The Social Forum is an open meeting place where individuals and groups engaged in building a global society come together to pursue their thinking, to debate ideas democratically, to formulate proposals, share their experiences freely and network for effective action.

The World Social Forum (WSF) www.forumsocialmundial.org.br
The WSF movement seeks to create alternative means of building a globalisation in solidarity, respecting the human rights of all and the environment. It is grounded in democratic international systems and institutions at the service of social justice, equality and the sovereignty of peoples. Its principles are stated in the WSF's Charter of Principles which guide all the forums.

The first World Social Forum in 2001 attracted 20,000 people. The strength of commitment to creating another better world saw this number increase to 60,000 in 2002 and 100,000 in 2003. The first three World Social Forums took place in Porto Alegre, Brazil. In 2004 the World Social Forum will be held in Mumbai (Bombay) India. www.wsfindia.org

Social Forum Aotearoa www.socialforum.org.nz
Aotearoa New Zealand has a history of being the birthplace of world-changing people and ideas, as well as a record of progressive initiatives. In the 19th century it was the first country in the world to give tangata whenua and women the vote. More recently it led the world in its anti-nuclear legislation. Over the years Aotearoa has been able to wield an influence out of all proportion to its size.

Through workshops, interactive events, cultural performance and entertainment, the Social Forum Aotearoa will aim to strengthen community, whanau, NGO networking and to showcase community-based ideas and solutions in Aotearoa.

To register online for the Social Forum Aotearoa https://secure.confer.co.nz/ei/getdemo.ei?id=29&s=0TY0YJ4SC
or contact Peace Action, PO Box 9314, Wellington

For further information about the Social Forum Aotearoa: info@socialforum.org.nz
or phone: 0800 355 553

Speakers and Presentations:

Colin Fox - MP Scotland, Tian Chua - Malaysian Trade Unionist, Dr. Jane Kelsey - economist, Maxine Gay - trade unionist,  Roger Blakely - CEO Porirua City, ARENA, Social & Civic Policy Institute, East Side Cannons Creek Porirua, Paekakariki residents,John Roughan, Solomon Islands Civil Society network, Socialist Workers, Human Rights network, representative of Ahmed Zaoui, Paul Bruce - Latin American Committee, Housing Action Porirua, Proutist Universal, Universal Income Trust, Peace Activists Groups, and more.

• Plus open space for your self organised workshop.
• Plus performances Friday evening by Te Wananga o Aotearoa and Saturday evening - other guest performers.
• If you want display space contact Pat Hanley angoa@clear.net.nz
• Does your organisation want to set up an information table? We can do that to.
• Accommodation available for up to 200 people marae style on the Te Wananga o Aotearoa campus - register now if you want accommodation.