World Social Forum (WSF), Mumbai, January 2004
WCC activities

Facilitation of a seminar on
"Building an Alternative World: Affirming the Dignity of Children"
19 January
13.00 - 16.00
Venue: B102

Introduction
In the context of the negative impact of globalization upon children, where globalization is understood as an underlying factor to many of the obstacles facing children in our world today such as child labour, child trafficking, sexual exploitation, inadequate education and social systems and family disintegration etc., this seminar will search for new ways and approaches to upholding the dignity of children.

Christian and other faith communities have a strong history in terms of working with children and on children’s issues. The potential for these communities to do much more is huge however, particularly in collaboration with each other and in terms of advocating, both at grassroots and wider national/regional levels, a world other than one dominated by globalization.

Objective
The main objective of the seminar will be to provide space for multi-faith reflection on:

  • alternative methods and approaches for upholding the dignity of children in the midst of globalization;
  • how religious communities can be involved and work together towards building this alternative world which upholds the dignity of children
    • .

    Methodology
    The speakers, representatives of the following faiths - Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh and including one child - will be asked to reflect, with reference to their experiences, faith and regional contexts, upon the following questions:

  • In the context of globalisation, what are possible alternative methods and approaches (including both current, concrete examples and ideas for future development) for building a world which upholds children’s dignity?
  • What can faith movements do to build this alternative world where the dignity of children is affirmed?

    • The seminar will last 2 ½ hours, with 20 minutes for each speaker. The reflections will be followed by a time for questions from the floor addressed to the panel.

    Speakers
    Swami Agnivesh India
    Dr. Farid Esack South Africa
    Dr Mohinder Singh
    Ms Eunice Santana de Velez Puerto Rico
    Kalayanee Ponprakobsin,Thailand
    Ms Sor Keo Srei Cambodia (child)

    Outputs

  • A report of the seminar will be published and will be circulated to participants to ensure follow-up.
  • Recommendations will be discussed and processed during the WCC/CCA inter-regional consultation on "Affirming the Fullness of Life and Dignity of Children in the Midst of Globalization" which is to be held from 21–25 January 2004.

    • Participation
    The seminar is expected to attract up to 200 participants from the World Social Forum. The WCC Diakonia and Solidarity Team will facilitate the panellists’ participation and that of several other representatives from regions outside of Asia as well as the participation of several Asians including representatives from the networks of NCC India and CASA.

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