From August 9th to 14th, Montreal will be hosting the World Social Forum (WSF), a global gathering of social movements, civil society organizations and engaged citizens, who will come together to discuss the issues that are placing communities and our planet at risk, and perpetuating poverty.
Development and Peace is a proud partner of this event, which is being held for the first time in a wealthy nation, signalling the global repercussions of the crises affecting our world and the need to work together to build a society that is inclusive and where all have a voice.
There will be over a thousand activities organized over the week, so here is your Development and Peace guide to the WSF!
And don’t forget to register!
Come early for the World Forum on Theology and Liberation!
This side forum of the WSF aims to bring together socio-political and spiritual movements to explore how theology can invoke action. It begins on August 8th, a day before the official start of the WSF, and will run until August 13th. Multiple workshops are being organized, some of which will run as part of the official WSF programming, discuss a wide array of themes, such as decolonization and ecological justice.
Development and Peace is helping to organize two main events as part of the WFTL and the WSF:
Our Rivers and Mountains are Not for Sale: Community Struggles for Ecological Justice
August 10th from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Laudato Si’: A Call for Change
August 10th from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
They will take place at Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A) room M-050, 400 Sainte-Catherine St. E
Both of these events are being co-organized with CIDSE and will feature panelists from around the world. There will simultaneous translation at both these events.
On the opening day of the WFTL, Development and Peace will have a kiosk at the WFTL site at Jean-de-Brébeuf College, 3200 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine. Make sure to pass by to say hi!
There will be information about Development and Peace at the WSF and even a few surprises!
Note: The WFTL requires a separate registration from the WSF if you would like to attend activities on August 8th and 13th. To register visit justicepaix.org/inscription-fmtl-2016
Join us for the opening march!
On August 9th, thousands are expecting to join in a peaceful march through the streets of Montreal to launch the WSF 2016. Development and Peace hopes to have a big contingent and we would love to have you with us!
The march will start at 5:30 p.m. and those who want to walk with Development and Peace can meet at 5 p.m. at the northeast corner of Parc LaFontaine Ave., and Rachel St. Join us beforehand at 3 p.m. at Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A) room M-050, 400 Sainte-Catherine St. E., to help make colourful banners and placards.
Some of our youth members will also be participating in a flash mob performance during the march that is not to be missed. This will be a great way to kick off your WSF experience and to meet other members, friends and supporters of Development and Peace. We hope to see you there!
What other workshops are being organized by Development and Peace?
Development and Peace is pleased to be working with several organizations, members and partners in putting together multiple workshops on the injustices faced by communities we support in the Global South.
Here is a brief schedule of our events. You can also download our program here.
August 10th
9 a.m – 11:30 a.m.
Tailings Dam Spills in British Columbia and Brazil: “Accidents” or “Environmental Crimes”
In collaboration with CERLAC, York University and Mining Watch Canada
Pavillon PK (Local PK-R610), 201 Président-Kennedy Ave.
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
People and the Planet before Profit! Voices of Resistance and Alternatives
This is one of the main events at the WSF and will feature several Development and Peace partners.
Studio-théâtre Alfred Laliberté, Pavillon Judith-Jasmin, 405 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
August 11th
9 a.m – 11:30 a.m.
How to Advocate to Decision-makers: Tools and Strategies by and for Young People
In collaboration with EQUITAS and FJÎM
Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A) room M-050, 400 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
Fighting Against Child Trafficking Following Conflicts
In collaboration with Secours Catholique (Caritas France) and Caritas Internationalis
McGill University – Pavillon Mass (Room112), 801, Sherbrooke St. West
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Climate Change: Continued Mobilization and Promotion of Sustainable Lifestyles Post COP21
In collaboration with CIDSE
Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A) room M-050, 400 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
August 12th
9 a.m – 11:30 a.m.
Agroecology for a healthy planet
In collaboration with CIDSE, SUCO, USC Canada, Union Paysanne and La Via Campesina
Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A) room M-050, 400 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
Gender Equality and Empower of Women
Pavillon R (Local R-M150), 315 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Act locally, think globally: Reflections on youth engagement
In collaboration with Scouts Canada, Collectif Québec Sans Frontieres, AQOCI, CECI, Mer et Monde and theTable de Concertaion Jeunesse en Solidarité Internationale
Pavillon R (Local R-M180), 315 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
Climate Justice not Carbon Colonialism!
In collaboration with Social Action, CIDSE, GRAIN, KAIROS and OSA
Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A) roomM-050, 400 Sainte-Catherine St. E
Let’s Talk about Food Sovereignty and Political Opportunities
In collaboration with Food Secure Canada, USC Canada, Union Paysanne, SUCO and CIDSE
Pavillon Burnside (Local 1B45), 805 Sherbrooke St. W.
Landgrabbing as seen by…
In collaboration with OSA
Pavillon DS (Local DS-1540), 320 Sainte-Catherine St. E.
Roundtable on the promotion of initiatives and peacebuilders
In collaboration with Antennes de paix
McGill University – Pavillon Bronfman (Room OO2), 1001, Sherbrooke St. West
7 p.m – 9 p.m.
Climate Change: Hope in Action Through the Arts
In collaboration with Congregation of Notre Dame Social Justice Network and the Canadian Religious Conference
National Monument, Hydro-Québec Studio, 1182 St-Laurent Blvd.
What else can I do at the WSF?
Check out our photo exhibits!
We will have two photo exhibits on display throughout the WSF.
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A Voice for Justice: Photos of Mining-Affected Communities, People and the Planet before Profit space.
Place Pasteur (St-Denis St. between Sainte-Catherine St and de Maisonneuve Blvd.) -
Québec Sans Frontières photo exhibit
Agora du Cégep du Vieux-Montréal, 255 Ontario St. E.
Watch a documentary!
Documentaries will be shown throughout the WSF at Place Pasteur (St-Denis St. between Sainte-Catherine St and de Maisonneuve Blvd.), including Lungs of Steel, which was produced by our Brazilian partner Justiça nos Trilhos with support from Development and Peace.
Get artsy!
A mural to commemorate those who have lost their lives defending their land and their communities will be on display at Place Pasteur (St-Denis St. between Sainte-Catherine St. and de Maisonneuve Blvd.) and WSF participants will be invited to add their own touch by helping to paint the mural.
Kids are welcome!
The WSF is a perfect place for children to begin to learn about social justice. At the youth space there will be activities for children, including two offered by Development and Peace:
- Fair Trade Activity – August 10th from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Cookie Mining Activity – August 12th from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Youth space is located at the corner of corner of Sainte-Catherine St. W. and Clark St.
For more information, contact Judith Faucher: judith.faucher@devp.org
