As we write this, less than 4 days remain for the start of the VI World Social Forum in Africa. Thousands will march towards Nairobi's Uhuru (Freedom) Park on 20 January signaling the beginning of what promises to be a historic 6-day event. Over 100,000 people, including 600 from India, are expected to participate. They will share experiences and strategise on issues ranging from debt, the World Bank, women's rights, climate change, dismantling the powers of Transnational Corporations, trade liberalisation and militarism. Focus on the Global South will coorganise several events with our allies. You will find an exhaustive list of our events in section 1.a and updates will be posted regularly on www.focusweb.org.  What would the world be like if it was viewed through the eyes of African women? The Gender and Trade Network in Africa will attempt to answer this question through their events at the WSF (see 1.b)   

An open letter sent by over 100 groups to Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan on 28 December 2006 to reconsider an Asian Development Bank loan to the urban sector was a partial success. Speaking to media persons on January 14 in New Delhi the CM said that the loan still contained 'dangerous conditionalities' and his Government was exploring options to raise funds from other sources.

We also carry a petition to authorities on the radioactive waste leak at a Uranium facility in Jharkhand. The incident demonstrates lax safeguards at existing facilities and provides a cautionary note on India's misguided nuclear ambitions.

On November 1 2006 the Government of Maharastra came out with a draft state housing policy and invited comments. The FOI carries the response by groups from Mumbai with exhaustive suggestions to improve the flawed policy.

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Governments pro corporate policy on industrialisation and land acquisition has come in for severe criticism. Unfortunately it has also led to a race to the bottom amongst several states to attract big business to invest in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) model. As the debate on the possibilities of 'democratic industrialisation' rage on we carry a useful note issued by the Communist Party of India (CPI).    

In our articles section Walden Bello begins the year on an optimistic note, highlighting the weak links in the corporate globalisation project. As the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) summit concluded on January 15 in Cebu, Jenina Joy Chavez argues for a course change for the grouping -eschew trade liberalisation and consider cooperation as a framework of integration.

The Mumbai Marathon will be held on January 21 2007. We carry an appeal note from COVA in Hyderabad for a national campaign on basic services by contributing to the run. On a different note, a Focus staffer will attempt the full marathon but it remains to be seen if he will run (not walk) the talk!

Best wishes,
Focus on the Global South-India


Contents:

1.    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1.a   Focus on the Global South co-organised events at the WSF 2007
1.b.  Gender and Trade network in Africa events at the WSF 2007
1.c  Mumbai Marathon 2007. Running for a cause - pledge for right to basic services

2.    STATEMENTS/REPORTS
2. a. Petition on Radioactive waste leak in Uranium facility in Jadugoda, Jharkhand.
2. b.  Open letter to Kerala Chief Minister on ADB Urban loan
2. c. Suggestions from civil society: Draft-housing policy of the Govt of Maharashta.
2. d. Communist Party of India - Statement on Industrialisation and Land acquisition

3.    ARTICLES
3 a.  Making ASEAN Relevant - Jenina Joy Chavez
3.b.  Globalisation in retreat: by Walden Bello