Press Release Jan. 21, 2024
21 January 2024
Press Release
World Social Forum 2024 - Nepal
The diversity of struggles heads to Kathmandu
The 16th edition of the World Social Forum 2024 Nepal (WSF2024) is all set to be held from 15-19, February 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Find out what it will be like and how to take part
The preparation of the World Social Forum 2024 is taking place in the context that the proliferation and dominance of neo-liberal capitalism have led to extreme inequality, displacement, warfare, climate-related catastrophes, loss of livelihoods, diminished opportunities, and widespread poverty.
Presently, the world is marked by a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few aggravated by the additional impact of the pandemic, which has further stripped individuals of their identity and dignity within the framework of neo-liberal capitalism. Humanity stands at a critical crossroads as global warming and geopolitical tensions threaten the future of mankind.
Moreover, WSF2024 is taking place in the context that there are several wars in the world including genocide in Palestine.
Conversely, however, numerous resistance movements are emerging worldwide, including various social and alternative movements aiming to challenge the dominant hegemonic forces. Consequently, people are demanding a more equitable and sustainable world in which to reside.
The WSF is an open space for the free and horizontal exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies oriented toward enacting and generating alternatives to neoliberalism. Since its inception in 2001 in Porto Alegre in Brazil, the WSF has been a unifying space for the transnational actors of the counter-hegemonic globalization ‘from below’ with the pledge of Another World is Possible.
Over the last five decades, Nepal has undergone democratization and significant political and social transformations. In 2015, Nepal enacted a new constitution that guarantees civic freedoms and envisions an economic and political system oriented towards socialism and inclusivity in governance processes. Therefore, there is a favorable context for having global forums and events in Nepal.
Hence on the occasion of this event, the Nepalese Organizing Committee and the International Council of the WSF invite all social movements, civil society organizations, and individuals from across the globe to take part in the WSF process and convene both physically and online in Kathmandu, Nepal bringing their energy, experiences, knowledge, and strategies to envision an alternative world characterized by a justifiable political, economic, social, and cultural system.
We must ensure that everyone on this planet can live with dignity. Self-organized efforts to develop online participation in panel activities, forums, assemblies, and convergences are welcome and taken into account in the hybrid mode.
As of the third week of January 2024, there are around 900 organizations have signed up for their participation and around 250 activities. If you are an organization, hurry up! - Registration for activities is in its final days. This can be done both online and by visiting the secretariat in Nepal.
THE EVENTS REGISTERED ARE DIVERSE BUT ALIGNED TO THE THEMATIC AXIS:
(I) economic inequality and economic justice, (II) labor, migration, slavery and trafficking, (III) caste, discrimination based on work and descent (DWD), race, ethnicity, indigenous people, untouchability, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination, (IV) gender, sexuality and identities, and gender-based violence, (v) land, agriculture, food sovereignty, agroecology, energy and natural resources, (VI) peace, conflict, war, occupations, displacements, and security, (VII) education, art and culture, (VIII) communication, social networks and media (digital equality), (IX) democracy, human rights, authoritarianism, law and justice, (X) health, social protection and equity, (XI) climate justice, ecology, just transitions, habitat, and sustainable development, (XII) women, children, youth, adolescents, aging people and persons with disabilities, and (XIII) social movements, civic space and the future of the World Social Forum.
While the opening takes place on 15th February 2024, the thematic assemblies and parallel sessions will be held on 16-18, February 2024. On the 18th, there will be the Assembly of Struggles and Resistances with a panel of Peace and Justice. On the 19th of February, WSF participants and the promoters of those statements are invited to interact in multiple ways in the square of statements, where statements will be presented simultaneously by their promoters. They can look for convergence between the movements and this will be followed by a closing ceremony. On 17 February, the Intercontinental Youth Forum will be organized with youth representatives from all continents, and youth from 40 countries have registered for the Youth Forum. Similarly, a Parliamentary Forum will also be held on 16th February 2024.
Every evening between 15 and 19 February, there will be a hybrid panel, allowing participants from different time zones to meet online, from Asia to the Americas, with interpreters in various languages. The themes will be: Palestine (15th), Peace and Climate Justice (16th), Transformative Economies (17th) Democracy vs. Facism (18th), and Feminism (19th).
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE, BE PART OF THE WSF 2024
Register here - as an organization (paid) or as an individual participant (for free)
After registration and payment, you can:
- Register your organization's activity in the dashboard
- Interact with other participants and promote your activity
- Publicize your activity at Join.wsf2024.net (not valid as a WSF registration) and WSF social media
- Send your press release to Communication Working Group to be part of the WSF Media page
FOR PRESS
If you are a press organization or freelancer, please contact:
Nepal Organizing Committee (Nepal) - Tikashwori Rai, tikaswari@gmail.com, Whatsapp +9779841849713, wsf2024nepal@gmail.com
Follow the WSF on social media:
World Social Forum International Council meeting is planned for 20-21 February 2024 in Kathmandu Nepal, just after the closing date of the WSF2024.
