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The setting for the event

A city with many contradictions, Nairobi is at the same time the financial economic fulcrum of the whole of Eastern Africa and the city of 200 slums. 60% of its inhabitants reside in slums.

Fittingly, the WSF began with a march from Kibera, Africa's largest slum, (with its 800,000 inhabitants: squatters, who live in shacks and know at first hand the problems of poverty, ill health and lack of education or employment) to Uhuru Park, in Nairobi central district. During the three days of work, a myriad of seminars, manifestations and meetings were held at the Kasarani Sports Centre, on the outskirts of Nairobi, at the stadium of Nairobi and at so many other points in the city.

Delegates debated on a equal basis about viable alternatives to the new-liberal globalization and listened to what Africans had to say and to teach to our Western World. About fifteen thousand people took part in the event, a far cry from the larger group the organisers expected. This did not prevent the participants from joyfully celebrating their coming together.

The overwhelming presence of Africans and Latin Americans gave a special flavour to the meeting. This worked in two ways. On the one side, they animated the Forum with cultural activities, on the other, the issues they brought to the Forum touched vividly the lives of people.

The initial accreditation fee of 500 Kenyan shillings (about £3.65) was ditched (after a direct action occupation) because many Kenyans couldn't afford it. Catering was another problem. Provided by a firm rumored to be owned by a government minister, the hotel was invaded by Street children who cleared out the food. Local vendors were then able to provide.