Silvia Salazar, of Colombia's permanent Committee for the Defence of Human Rights: The Forum seeks a better possible world through the construction of new political and economic alternatives. It is not a means for resolving, but rather a space that allows us to look at ourselves, know ourselves better and improve.

Sarah Farrow, from Great Britain: The purpose of the Forum is that the people of the world get to know each other and the positives of socialism. In Venezuela, it is possible to see the truth of what is happening. It is very important to visit the outskirts of Caracas. I am surprised at the capacity for dialogue and analysis of people who have not had the opportunity of a university education.

Aunrai, British, vegetarian, carrying a walking stick: I hope the Forum can be a means for achieving a better tomorrow. It is something new, like a new nation of free people where the most important thing is that we are sharing with the people and bringing them a positive message.

Michelle Meulenberg, painter, Dutch: The Forum is not only a party, but rather it's the best combination of music, rumba and political discussion. The best way to build new paths is, precisely, through political discussion. We hear so many positive things about South America, they are the hope, and that is why I am here -- to learn from their experience.

Argenis Aristimuño, Venezuelan, 22: This experience is the beginning of a new country, a new world, in which we all live in harmony, in peace, where violence doesn't exist. And I raise the same slogan as President Hugo Chávez: "No to neoliberalism".

Leticia Silva, Brazilian from Manaos, administrator: The Forum represents the hope for a better future for Latin America. We have never had integration like we have today, with a closeness of peoples, and many from countries with leftist presidents.

Pierre Frey, French, environmentalist, 21: Through the Forum, anything is possible. It is a gathering of people working together for an alternative world, more social, without money, without corruption, where everything is voluntary and not imposed. The Forum is headed towards creating a world where cultural diversity and fraternity coexist. I'm interested in social and cultural issues, and I also want to learn about politics.

Bianca, Brazilian from Sao Paulo, 25: We came to the Forum to reflect our community work in Brazil, to share our experience and learn from the Venezuelan experience. We are developing sustainable lifestyles, with an economy of solidarity, artisanry, music and ideas of a more just world, with values from heart to heart. That is where we need to go, and that is why we are here.

Rochester Araujo, Brazilian from Rio Grande do Norte, 19: The Forum is a space for cultural integration, through which we are going to achieve a better world. It is essential to know other cultures, the exchagne of information amongst peoples is the fundamental basis for achieving this new, possible world.