Caritas members from around the world are heading to Brazil this week to attend the World Social Forum (WSF) and show their support for a world based on justice.

Kicking off in Belem on 27th January, the WSF offers civil society representatives and NGOs a global platform for debate and the exchange of ideas regarding the social challenges facing a globalised world.

“For Caritas, the World Social Forum is an opportunity for the globalisation of solidarity, something which is crucial in the construction of another world,” says Cristina dos Anjos, National Director of Cáritas Brasileira.

One hundred and fifty Caritas representatives from 14 countries will represent the Caritas network at the forum. Members attending the event include Caritas France (Secours Catholique), Caritas Nigeria, Caritas Italiana and Caritas Brasileira.

A number of members will present workshops. These will include seminars by Caritas France on a variety of subjects ranging from human trafficking to the peace process in Colombia and a seminar by Caritas Nigeria on the issue of oil and gas production in the Niger Delta.

The WSF is seen as a vital opportunity for social movements, NGOs and civil society networks to discuss the issues of poverty and the effects of globalisation.

“This process of gathering civil society actors from all around the world is all the more relevant as we need to find answers to the current economic and financial crises and speak for the poorest who are deeply undermined,” says Michel Roy, International Advocacy Director for Caritas France.

Visit Caritas Internationalis’ WSF blog

Anne Bonnefont from Caritas France will be attending the forum: + 33 (0) 6.07.12.46.36 anne-bonnefont@secours-catholique.asso.fr