The World Social Forum ended its ninth edition on Sunday in Belém with its "Assembly of assemblies" adopting dozens of resolutions and proposals to be the subjects of a programme of mobilisations around the world in 2009.

The 21 thematic assemblies thus broke the apparent WSF taboo on taking common political stands under pressure from thousands of civil society groups anxious to seize the opportunity opened by the global economic crisis to progressive change. 

It was a special day for all the SAPI members.  The SAPI members were invited to visit the place where the indigenous people of the Amazon were staying.  The members got up early in the morning as we had to be there by 7.30 am.  For those who did not see the sun rise for a long time, this was a new experience as well!!  The bus left Seminario, where the members were staying at 6.30 am and reached the place well ahead of time.

While some of the SAPI delegates attended the WSF workshops, some others attended the Jesuit organized Ignatian Day at CCFC. The day started with a prayer service leading to the miniature experience of Spiritual Exercises. The call of the King to the frontier mission was brought clearly by Fr.Vaniode S.J. by his sharing on his mission among the indigenous population. We recited and sang together “Take and Receive” and prayer on generosity. Fr. Martino led the group into the exercise based service which gave us a rhythm.  

Twenty ninth of January was an important day for South Asian Peoples’ Initiatives (SAPI) and for the Jesuits of Belem who were attending the World Social Forum (WSF).  There were three programmes on that day organised by the Jesuits.  In the morning the Jesuits of Belem organised a workshop to share the deliberations of the Pre-forum.  At noon SAPI organised a seminar on the Indigenous people and the Dalits and the Jesuits connected with Fe y Alegria had yet another programme on education in the afternoon.  Hence it was a heavy day for the Jesuits who were attending the World Social Forum.