World Social Forum
The World Social Forum 2009 began on 27 January at Belém, Pará (Brazil), with a march in which numerous representatives of the Marist Institute of Brazil and America took part. During the WSF there were workshops proposed by organisations, networks, and movements of civil society. This activity was composed of workshops organized and coordinated by Marist representatives in the diverse areas where the Marist Institute carries out activities to guarantee the rights of children, adolescents and young people. Among the subjects treated must be noted : youth, rights and social control, economic solidarity, socio-educational support, the status of the child and of the adolescent, etc.
The Marist Institute takes part in the World Social Forum in order to promote a space for the democratic debate of ideas, to deepen reflection, to participate effectively in the formulation of proposals, to exchange experiences, and to act in concert with other social movements, networks, and NGOs.
The principal document of the WSF, the Charter of Principles, emphasises that the alternatives raised at the heart of the Forum « aim to win acceptance, as a new step in world history, for a global solidarity which respects the universal rights of man, those of all citizens of all nations, and the environment, a step supported by international systems and institutions at the service of social justice, legality, and the sovereignty of peoples. »
In this context, the Marist Institute tries to contribute to what may effectively guarantee the rights of children, adolescents and young people, and endeavours to promote solidarity in the area of realizations of the most diverse kinds; this is the theme of the 3rd Inter-American Meeting Marist Hearts in Solidarity, which was held at Belém from23 to 27 January.
Those responsible for programming the WSF especially placed in relief the Day of Pan-Amazonia (28 January) : 500 years of resistance, conquest and Afro-indigenous and popular perspectives. This day was dedicated to transmitting to the world the voices of Amazonia through different activities : testimonies, conferences, celebrations, and cultural expositions.
The 9th edition of the WSF came to an end on 1st February – Day of Alliances ? with decentralized activities organized by the participants themselves. This was an opportunity to present the agreements and alliances which have been adopted during the history of the WSF.
The Marist activities at the WSF and the principal events of the meeting can be followed by opening the blog fsm.marista.edu.br.