In this Issue:
I. The 'Alter-Globalists' Hit Their Stride
II. The World Social Forum comes to Africa
III. The Role of the Writer at the WSF
IV. Global Tax Initiatives: The Movement for the Currency Transaction Tax
V. World Social Forum Today: Finnish Engagements and Future Visions
VI. Rendezvous

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I. The 'Alter-Globalists' Hit Their Stride

Immanuel Wallerstein
The WSF is providing a real alternative as an open space that is inclusive of all those who want to change the existing world system as well as encouraging those who want to organize specific political actions. Immanuel Wallerstein’s article is a glimpse at the maturing of the WSF, from its defensive beginnings through to the effective networks forming under its umbrella. This article was originally published by the International Herald Tribune on February 2, 2007.

2. Reviving the Labour Movement as a Sword of Justice 
Peter Waterman
The WSF presents a space for dialogue on the re-invention of a global labour movement and the wider global justice and solidarity movement, yet grouping all WSF activities under the banner of ‘decent work’ caused tensions. Peter Waterman reflects on the reasons for distinguishing between, ‘progressive’ and ‘emancipatory’, ‘unions’ and ‘labour’. Furthermore, why did the international labour movement carry a low profile in Nairobi?

II. The World Social Forum comes to Africa
Marc Becker
The WSF was potentially the most important event to take place on the African continent in 50-60 years. Holding the forum in Africa was a success in itself, yet the predominantly western European and North American face of the forum fell short of energizing the local civil society as it has in the past. Marc Becker provides an overview from the Nairobi WSF, noting both the pitfalls and the innovation. What effect will the Nairobi WSF have on future forums?

2. Brief Report of the World Social Forum IC Meeting
The report from the WSF IC meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, January 26-27, 2007, contains: an assessment discussion of the Nairobi WSF, proposals for mobilisation in 2008, and decisions on the next IC meeting. The report also looks ahead to the 2009 WSF.

III. The Role of the Writer at the WSF
Thomas Ponniah 
Writing is a mode of activism in the contemporary search for social justice. Writers need to analyse the evolving nature and forms of domination emerging on the horizon, and continue to publicise the alternatives that movements around the world are proposing. Thomas Ponniah offers insight on his approach to the WSF as both a writer and activist, and his theory on social movements.

2. The Role of the Writer Dialogue 
This topic incited dialogue between NIGD members. Read a summarised version of the dialogue that includes comments (in italics) by: Hanna Laako, Petri Minkkinen, and Peter Waterman.

IV. Global Tax Initiatives: The Movement for the Currency Transaction Tax

Heikki Patomäki
The establishment of the CTT would constitute far reaching global regulatory change and mark the accomplishment of a transnational campaign and worldwide movements Heikki Patomäki analyses the emergence, rise, development of the campaign, and conditions for success; as well as, assesses the different visions of the CTT. A PDF version is available.

V. World Social Forum Today: Finnish Engagements and Future Visions
Jarna Pasanen and Ruby van der Wekken
The WSF is providing a model to strengthen struggles at the local level, but what is the connection between the WSF and local social forums? Written to address the significance of the WSF process to Finnish civil society and its partners, Jarna Pasanen and Ruby van der Wekken seek out recommendations for future engagement in the process. The working paper is available on Kepa's website.

2. United States Social Forum 
The United States is an important player globally; thus, the USSF to be held June 27-July 1, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia, is of international significance.The USSF organizer have released a call for proposals for the upcoming event; Marc Becker(comments in bold) and Petri Minkkinen(comments in italics) begin the discussion on NIGD’s involvement in the USSF. For more information visit: http://www.ussf2007.org

VI.Rendez-vous with NIGD
See our Rendezvous page.