"WSF Nairobi, 2007 activities"

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WSF Nairobi, 2007 activities

With over 100,000 people in attendance from all over the world, the World Social Forum (WSF) Nairobi, 2007 kicks off with the opening ceremony on Saturday, January 20, 2007. Some of the shots from the opening ceremoney include the following:

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The World Social Forum in Nairobi was yesterday officially opened by H.E former president of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda. In his opening speech he said that from experience,challenges in 2007 can be overcomed and a better world is very possibble. He said that injustice cannot be overcomed by force of love , harmony and fair play.Rights and diginity of all people must be respected and that we must continue action for the common good. He also highlighted various problems that are facing the world today and these include Poverty Division-north and south divide Hiv/Aids Environmental issues -Dessertification Ccrimes -Gender equality and women,s rights.

Information:common good for humanity or a merchandise African media facing media concentration and the convergence of technologies. Organizers: Institute Panos Afrique de I'ouest Participants:Over 50 Key speakers:Jason & Chris Kagwata

Issues covered 1. Policy Our governments are very ambivalent in the ownership of media. Its an extension of the ruling party. Some policies are against co-ownership of media. Governments should set up partnerships on how much locals can own media. Policies are good on paper.

2. Technologies Poor ICT infrastructure. People are still green in the ICT sector

3. Audiences We don't have access to a wide range .our audience is primarily radio, TV and newspapers. access to the Internet is not common so governments are reluctant to invest a lot in the Internet due to lack of an audience.

Issues to address for African Media 1. Access Availability and cost of that which is available e.g. radio TV, Internet and Newspapers.

2. Citizenship vs Consumerism Governments should come up with policies to ensure that the public interests are put into consideration. Ensure that newspapers and advertisements, educative programs, are put into consideration for public interest to reduce on music and pornography alone.

3. North South Co-operation. Should be interrogated because of the issue of globalisation. There is also need for solidarity.

4. Hegemonies Ethnic identity gives to national ownership.

5. Diversity and pluralism. Having a range of voices e.g. gender, the youth. Pluralism is diverse ownership of the media i.e. community /public media that is truly public.

6. Need to help our governments in coming up with necessary regulations around media.

Time: 11.30 – 2.00pm Report by: Bukirwa Annette

Embracing the excluded today: Facing the challenges of HIV/Aids Organizer: Franciscans Internationale

Summary of issues Aids poses one of the gravest threats to human societies everywhere.Since the discovery of Aids in 1981, over 27 million people have died, the consequences of this pandemic fall hardest on women, children and the aged.

Mebers of the Franciscan family in Africa,Latin America, Asia , the middle east and elsewhere around the world are working courageously to fight the scourge of HIV and AIDS . Frnaciscicans on the frontlines care for children orphaned by HIV and AIDS The African experience:Uganda and Kenya

Sister Kareen from Zambia Catholic Diocese. The war to fight HIV pandemic is like any other war and the wari is taking a lot of lives and a lot needs to be done. In Zambia, efforts have been made and these include: Free treatment and ARVs in government hospitals Education for the caretakers of HIV infected people Behavior change for the youth Lobbying and advocacy through media and drama

Different organizations like Pallative Care Association of Zambia Catholic Relief Service from U.S, Irish Aid, WFP, Care International.

Difficulties encountered in counseling HIV positive people: Denial - most people do not want to accept their status Discrimination Stigmatization Self pity Culture of silence especially women Cultural belief and practices e.g. cleaning ritual when one of the partners die i.e. to have sexual intercourse with the next of kin, fathers sleeping with their daughters before marriage to prove they are women etc. Traditional healers and Pentecostals Poor nutrition of HIV positive people.

Recommendations Let us act now A lot needs to be done especially on behavior change of youth, counseling and education because the more we talk a lot the more people begin to fear. Today its me, tomorrow its you. lets us come together in work in this war on HIV. Organize prayer vigil on World AIDS day Urge people in authority to provide greater resources for prevention, care and treatment. Mobilize others in the fight against HIV.

Report by Loyce and Ben Time and Date:1:05, 21/01/2007