Media conference and official launch tonight

      Although we already have the World Social Forum and the Economic one in Davos – there is a different way of seeing life. This became quite clear at the media conference that took place yesterday (September 20) at the University of Brasília main auditorium. The objective of the conference was to make the First World Spiritual Forum publicly known through the media. It will be officially launched today, at 8pm, at the National Theatre of Brasília. Free admission.

      According to Ulisses Riedel, the president of United Planet, an NGO and one of the promoters of this FORUM this new way of looking at life involves a commitment to brotherhood, solidarity and humanitarianism. Suzel Saraceni, (UNIPAZ), Elianildo da Silva Nascimento (URI), ambassador Luis Brun (Association of Humanitarian Aid to Portuguese Speaking African Countries) and the University of Brasília representative, Armando Bulcão, were also on hand to give information about the FORUM.

      "There is nothing intelligent about war" says Riedel, criticizing the conflicts going on around the world and promoting the FORUM as a space where a way to peace can be found. "We must all, hand in hand, walk together toward the solution of humanity's problems", he affirmed.

      He stated, moreover, that the FORUM is not primarily religious. "It is actually much more than this. It is the honoring of spirituality in every area of human activity. A great part of those supporting the FORUM was not born within a religious community", he said, mentioning such partners as: SEBRAE, SESC, Federal Engineering Council, Architecture and Agronomics (CONFEA), Brazilian Lawyers Association (ABA), Institute of Comparative and International Law of Brasília (IDCB), Brazilian Association of Hotel Industry, Conventions and Visitors Bureau, University of Brasília (UNB), UNICEUB and others.

      Suzel Saraceni emphasized that UNIPAZ is proud to be one of the organizations behind the FORUM. She reminded us that many of the organizations involved with the event already work for peace and plan, together, to bring around other segments of society.

      André dos Santos, a journalist with the Intersyndical Parliamentary Assistance Department (DIAP) bought up the question of consumerism, a common practice nowadays. He wished to know how the FORUM planned to tackle this.

      Riedel replied that the FORUM organizers are perfectly conscious of the need for a total shift of patterns and paradigms. He agreed that ours is a consumer society where, he added, "Most cannot consume". People struggle to only survive. We cannot carry on living this way".

      "All survival models are bankrupt" stated ambassador Luis Brun. As he sees it all economic and political models nowadays exploit the planet without a second thought. He affirmed the FORUM will suggest practical measures to governments so as to "reverse this collective suicide trend".

      Suzel Saraceni emphasized humanity must rethink its ways. "A plundering behavior has brought great catastrophes to descend upon the planet. It is within the human being that war is born. And it is there that the peace flag must be hoisted" she said. Elianildo, backing up her words, made it clear that the FORUM means to contribute towards bringing down the consumerism mindset that prevails today.

      Another question raised was the question of spreading the word about the FORUM to the international community. Elianildo remarked the FORUM counts with several partners with international clout who will spread the word about the enterprise. "The idea", he explained, "is to follow along the lines of the World Social Forum. Meaning that we will promote regional events that will take place before the World Forum itself".

      Professor Paulo Nascimento of the Brazilian Esperantist League mentioned that a general knowledge of Esperanto all over the world would make it possible for all in the world to discuss the FORUM. He mentioned, as well, that the site is already available in Portuguese, English, Esperanto and Spanish.

      Once again the organizers were asked if spirituality would be the area where we would find a solution to all humanity problems, whether individual or collective. To which Riedel replied: "Spirituality may not be the area per se, but the essence of this search".