The European Social Forum 2004, The third European Social Forum (ESF) will take place from 14-17 October in London.

The ESF is a giant gathering for everyone opposed to war, racism and corporate power, everyone who wants to see global justice, workers' rights and a sustainable society.

The ESF emerged from the spectacular success of the World Social Forum which opened in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001. Its first two gatherings in Florence (2002) and Paris (2003) attracted over 50,000 participants from across Europe and beyond.

It is a chance for people from around the world to come together to engage in debate, organise action and build networks to strengthen our movement.

The Forum will be launched with a large opening event on Thursday 14th followed by three days of discussion and debate involving leading activists from around the world as well as music, drama, film-showings and exhibitions celebrating the global movement. The key themes addressed will be:

War and peace

Democracy and fundamental rights

Social justice and solidarity: against privatisation (deregulation),

for workers, social and women’s rights Corporate globalisation and global justice Against racism, discrimination and the far right: for equality and diversity Environmental crisis and sustainable society

The Assembly of Social Movements, an open decision making body, will also meet on the Sunday morning followed by an International demonstration through central London on Sunday afternoon.

This year’s ESF in London will bring together thousands of people from across the UK, Europe and the world and is an unmissable event for everyone who wants to see a better world.

Demand for places is expected to be high so if you wish to attend you will need to register early.

The 2004 ESF is being organised by an Organising Committee of affiliated national and local social movement organisations and trade unions in the UK with support from the Greater London Authority. See below for a full list of affiliated organisations.

The UK Organising Committee meets monthly and has a number of Working Groups to develop every aspect of the project.

All meetings are open and democratic and operate in accordance with the World Social Forum Charter of Principles.