Press Statement

An Afghan Delegation to the World Social Forum 2004, in Mumbay, India
A 28-member delegation comprised of Afghan men and women from all parts of Afghanistan will attend the World Social Forum, which will be held in India from January 16 to 21, 2004.
For the first time, Afghan civil society organisations and Afghan government officials will participate to this International Forum, carrying a message of peace for the region as well as bringing a new perspective on Afghanistan’s reconstruction and reconciliation processes.
This is an important time for Afghanistan as it is turning away from the past and undergoing the process of building a new future for the nation. This Afghan participation is also an opportunity to share experiences, reflect on their own connection to the multiple dimensions of globalization, and explore new strategies for designing compassionate, sustainable and just social systems.
At the WSF 2004, the Afghan delegation will engage in many activities, which have been planned during the past months with the support of three international NGOs: London-based Action Aid, NOVIB (Oxfam-Netherlands) and Canadian-based Alternatives.
These activities will include a peace seminar, photo exhibits and a documentary screening. Another highlight of this rich programme will be the Afghan cultural show, featuring two Kandahari singers, one female and one male. These events will all take place at the different venues of the World Social Forum’s main site.
Several Afghan participants will also address the International Health Forum for the defence of People’s Health, on January 14 and15, just prior to the organisation of the WSF, and will introduce testimonials on Afghanistan’s health situation.
Since its launch in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001, the WSF has emerged as one of the more interesting and important civil society experiments on the planet. The value of this international meeting is undeniable as it helps join and coordinate the efforts of civil societies everywhere. This year, the Indian organizing committee is expecting some 75 000 participants from around the world.
The WSF 2004 has adopted as its principle focus:
 Imperialism and globalisation,
 Patriarchy,
 Militarism and peace,
 Communalism (religious sectarianism and fundamentalism),
 As well as casteism & racism (oppression, exclusion and discrimination based on descent and work).
The Afghan delegation to this Forum comprises of the following participants:
Dr. Abdil Ghiyas Safi (Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development) Angeella Barekzai (Afhan Peace and Democracy Act), Azizah Ahmedyar (Afghan Women’s Resource Center), Leeda Yaqoobi (Afghan Women Network), Nabila Faani (Independent Association of Afghan Intellectuals), Raz Mohammad Dalili (Sanayee Development Foundation), Sayed Ihsanullah Dileri (Sanayee Development Foundation), Sayed Shafiq Ahmad (Afghan Peace and Democracy Act), Shafiq Amad Wafa (Afghan Independant Human Rights Commission), Shinkai Zahine (Afghan Women Educational Center), Zahira Hamidi (Ministry of Women’s Affairs). To this list should be added Action Aid’s participants.