Gambian delegation at World Social Forum holds workshop

The Gambia's delegation at the 2011 World Social Forum last Wednesday held a workshop at the Cheikh Anta Diop University Youth Centre in Dakar to exchange experiences, lessons and best practices learnt from the global convergence.

Speaking at the workshop, Amadou Taal, chairman of the Gambia Social Forum, said another world is possible. "We must think that another world is possible," he said. "This kind of forum is very important to exchange ideas and that today we live in a world of globalisation that is not favouring Africa unless we understand the social-economic situation of this world."
He also advised African youths, saying young people who are interested in the future of Africa should try to know the history of the continent. "As young people, you need to play a very important role to changing the world today," he said.

The Gambian social forum chairman called on all and sundry to better understand the dynamics taking place in and outside Africa.

"We have the climate change, which is affecting the whole world, and in this situation, we should try and work as a continent. I believe that the World Social Forum is a venue where different countries come together to discuss their common objectives," he said.

Halifa Sallah, a prominent Gambian politician, also addressed the forum.

He said: "Now we have reached a stage where human ownership belongs to few people. The world we live today is no longer for the world of the people but for few people."

Mr Sallah told delegates that with the increasing unemployment, taxation and poverty in the world, humanity is faced with uncertainty.

"As a result, all countries are facing the crisis today. World Social Forum is saying that this world belongs to the people," he said.