Representatives of various organisations and activists working in the field of social causes from around the world are descending on Kathmandu this week. They are gathering in the city for the ‘World Social Forum-2024’, which is taking place from Thursday to Monday.

People involved in social movements from 92 countries will take part in the five-day jamboree and discuss pertinent issues such as the impacts of the war, economic inequality, climate justice, labour migration, caste discrimination, gender equality, peace, and sustainable development, among others, organisers World Social Forum said.

Sushil Bishwokarma, a member of the organising committee, said they expect the participation of around 40,000 people in the five-day programme. “The event will be addressed by some of the world’s renowned figures of social movements,” Bishwokarma said. “We hope that this forum will be important to energise the fragile social movements across the world.”

The event would facilitate dialogue exchanges among civil society organisations, social movements, trade unions and individuals to challenge neoliberal globalisation and promote a more equitable and sustainable world, according to organisers.

Along with the solidarity march, the event will host panel discussions on topics such as climate justice and environmental sustainability, economic inequality and the global financial system, labour rights and migration, peace, justice and human rights, and indigenous peoples’ rights and cultural preservation, among others.

“Issues of neoliberalism, hegemony of capitalism practised by the corporate world, and neo-feudalism, among other subjects, will also be discussed,” Bishwokarma said. “Over 400 sessions have been already registered and they will be organised simultaneously. We expect maximum participation of labourers and people from marginalised communities in the programme.”

Organisers say that humanity is on the brink of multi-faceted calamities—environmental crisis coupled with rising inequality, widespread food insecurity, majoritarian dominance, aftershocks of the last pandemic and the threat of a new one, and escalating tensions between major powers.

The organisers have invited people from various countries to take part in the programme. Organisers say that one can also take part in person or via online mediums. The programme will issue a declaration at the end.

“We hope that the upcoming event will be a significant milestone, showcasing the resilience and diversity of global solidarity movements,” said Om Thapaliya, another member of the programme organisation committee. “We believe that another world is possible and the scheduled Kathmandu forum will enhance the discourses of a just world, where everyone can live a dignified life.”

Though organisers have marketed the event in high terms, experts in Nepal doubt its effectiveness in bringing about real change, while noting that organising a political event in the country is a good thing.

“First of all, the programme aims to tackle multiple issues and the priority of the programme has been distorted since its start decades ago,” said Hari Roka, a political analyst. “There will not be a focus when multiple issues are raised at once and it is also not known if the policymakers and executives will take the issues raised by the forum seriously.”

Organisers say that there will be around 900-1000 self-organised activities and assemblies throughout the event. While Bhrikutimandap will be the main venue of the assemblies, at least 100 activities and sessions will be held in multiple locations nearby within walking distance. For the sessions, organisers have collaborated with academic institutions such as Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Nepal Law Campus, Balmiki Campus, Bishwo Bhasa Campus, Shankerdev Campus. Padma Kanya Campus and Padmodaya High School.