KATHMANDU, Feb 17: In the heart of Kathmandu, within the premises of Bhrikutimandap, a profound brainstorming is underway. The World Social Forum 2023 has turned the city into a melting pot of ideas, activism, and cultural expression, all aimed at shaping a better world.
Amidst the vibrant energy, voices of the landless echo, activists passionately share insights into their causes, and experts lead seminars on various pressing issues facing the world characterized by capitalism. Advocacy for the rights of the poor, decent work, climate justice, and the conflicts between wildlife and communities resonates in different corners.
Notably, at Bhrikutimandap, the focal point of the World Social Forum 2023, there is a strong call for the decriminalization of sex work, and the "Dalit Lives Matter" movement has captivated the participants’ attention. Expressing concerns for peace and improved lives, these voices find resonance through diverse mediums such as arts, paintings, drama, speeches, folk music, and dance.
Cultures are celebrated with food stalls and the display of local products, emphasizing the significance of women's empowerment. Social organizations from around the globe have converged at the World Social Forum to collaborate and emphasize the need for an equitable and inclusive world, free from discrimination, exploitation, and oppressive social structures.
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Shanti Tiwari, a human rights activist representing SWASA, advocates for the decriminalization of sex work, asserting that it should be acknowledged as a decent work. This, she believes, will enable sex workers to be treated as humans, providing them with the rights to live with dignity and liberty.
Shailee Chaudhary, a campaigner for Dalit Rights Matter, emphasizes that caste hierarchy impacts humanity, stretching beyond territorial boundaries, hindering progress and development. To establish a just society, she calls for non-Dalits to understand the pains and grievances faced by Dalits. She also urges for providing a safe space for inclusion, equality, and equity, free from judgments and criticisms.
In a panel discussion at the World Youth Assembly on Climate Justice, the speakers highlighted that climate change has adversely affected the mountainous communities, exposing them to vulnerable risks.
AKM Mahatab Uddin, a campaigner from Bangladesh, advocated for the formation of an independent convention to alleviate poverty. He contends that the definition of poverty has layers of intricacies, making its implications challenging to address. Through the platform of WSF, his initiation of "Voice for UN Convention on the Poor" has garnered attention, showing the urgency for necessary action.
Activists and campaigners participating in the World Social Forum expressed their collective vision of creating another world by eliminating poverty, discrimination, inequality, and injustice. They emphasize collaboration, learning, unlearning, relearning, and stepping together to find alternative solutions for global issues.
The World Social Forum 2024, under the theme "Another World is Possible," kicked off at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, on February 15 and will conclude on February 19. This extraordinary gathering represents a world in itself, with participants from 1252 organizations spanning over 90 countries, all united with the aim of creating a better world.
Thematic panels, assemblies, and activities on 13 different themes, including economic inequality, the global financial system, gender equality, women's rights, labor rights, migration, peace, justice, and human rights, are being held under the WSF.
Since its inception in 2001, the WSF has been a beacon for social movements, trade unions, and activists to converge, share experiences, and build strategies for change.
On the second day of the event on Friday, over 10,000 activists actively participated, with registrations facilitated from Balmiki Campus, RR Campus, Nepal Law Campus, and Bhrikutimandap entrance. This has fostered networking and support, promoting exchange among civil society organizations, social movements, trade unions, and individuals opposing neoliberal globalization to express the possibility of creating another world.
