FRIENDS OF THE EARTH AT 3rd EUROPEAN SOCIAL FORUM, LONDON, OCTOBER 14th - 17th 2004
 

Oronto Douglas speaking at the plenary Oil Addiction, at ESF. Credit: Stephanie Greig /Friends of the Earth

From 14th until 17th October, the third edition of the European Social Forum (ESF) was held in London, UK. Different groups and networks such as NGO's, peace movements, anti-racist networks, trade unions, etc, organised over 40 plenary sessions and 500 seminaries and workshops. The event brought together more then 20 000 activists from Europe and beyond, concerned about corporate led globalisation, its negative impacts on the environment and society and the role of Europe for the future.

Delegate tells George Bush to 'go cold turkey' on GM food Credit: Stephanie Greig /Friends of the Earth	Gaz-flaring installation - The infernal combustion Credit:Deborah Thompson/Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Earth Europe has actively participated in the preparatory process for the third ESF. This year's ESF programme provided a set of particularly interesting plenary sessions that addressed some key drivers fuelling environmental destruction and social injustice. A large delegation from Friends of the Earth was present at the ESF and shared their analysis and discussed sustainable and fair solutions. Friends of the Earth participated in 23 events (plenary sessions, seminars and workshops). Please, view the whole list of FoE speaking events.

Some snapshots with FoEE at the European Social Forum

• FoEE made sure the environmental dimension was well integrated into the plenary session discussions. Read the speech of Martin Rocholl, director of Friends of the Earth Europe, at the session called "The end of the Myths of Development and Growth; towards a sustainable society".

• At the ESF the Seattle to Brussels network launched their new publication that provides an analysis of some of the most pressing issues in the current international trade setting.

• Friends of the Earth was also present in London with an exciting installation where you could experience how the Gaz-flaring in oil producing countries are like.
  
• Friends of the Earth's stall in Alexandra Palace was loaded with information about our issues and different campaigns. ESF delegates were painting thanksgiving card for Bush to remind him to stop trying to force feed us with GMO's.