"Before, it was politicians putting us to sleep with their words – now it’s those who question globalisation who are doing so." – Bamako teacher Aliou Traoré

"It’s going much better than I expected. Mali is one of the poorest countries on earth, and a lot of us didn’t expect them to put up even the little resources that they have." - Louis Marselle, a delegate from Canada

"Bamako is the first step in the process to root the World Social Forum in Africa and mobilise more people on this continent, which has been the hardest hit by globalisation." - Dr Aminata Dramane Traoré, Malian author and social activist

"Given that one of the driving motivations of the World Social Forum was to serve as a counterpoint to the World Economic Forum, it becomes critically important that in the battle of ideas, vision, and perspectives on what world we want to create for future generations, the WSF serves as an enabling space which can present alternatives that reach the hearts and minds of people who are not yet actively involved in the commendable efforts to ensure global justice." – Kumi Naidoo, Secretary-General of Civicus: World Alliance For Citizen Participation

"Meetings such as this year’s World Social Forum in Bamako provide an important and sanctified venue for the exchange of ideas, where all people passionate about all causes have the opportunity to share their thoughts, hone their strategies and renew their efforts to show that another world is possible." – Oxfam

"We let it all hang out and enjoy ourselves before we begin the serious business," – Patrick Sianne, Cameroonian youth

"I came to Bamako with several hopes. One of them, to meet women from all over Africa and gather and exchange views on the hardships we encounter, is being met," – Ivette Ngwevilo Rekangaly, president of the Gabonese Movement for Family Well-Being





Raffaella Bolini, human rights activist, Italy Another world for me would be a vibrant civil society that stands up to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and holds governments to account.

.

Michelle B Capron, French Peace Movement, France A world without armaments; a world where peace reigns in every society.

.

Solange Coulibaly, Mali Businesswomen’s Forum, Mali Where every woman is offered micro-credit when she needs it – so every woman has an income generating project and has an independent means of income.

Bruna Brambilla, Forum Mondiale Delle Alternative /Contratto Per L’ Aqua, Italy Another world would be where water is a truly public facility; where no-one has to pay huge amounts for it. It will be accessible to all – in the amounts they want.

.

Njoki Njehu, Africa Jubilee South, Kenya Another world is where there is no more poverty, and there is justice for all.

.

Seydou Ndiaye, education consultant, Senegal A world with justice, solidarity, democracy, accountability and freedom. This world is possible because civil society organisations are involved in activities to promote these values.

Jean Christophe Vinieu, international agency worker, France A world with fair regulations that will rule world markets, a world with proper working conditions and a world without liberalisation.

.

Tamara Herman, World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, Canada Another world consists of a life without poverty and institutionalised racism. It’s a world with equality and justice. I think it is possible to achieve this world but I do not think it can be achieved through forums like this. Here we have ideas and can learn from other people’s experiences, but do not have the power to implement. While the WSF is important in building large global social movements, the capitalist governments are the ones with the power to change things. They have the power that has seen them marginalise people, drive people to poverty. If we have to root out poverty, then it has to be through distributing<