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TFF PressInfo 49
"We are proud to be invited to this year's State of the World Forum. It's one of the most influential and diverse gatherings of world leaders, convened for the first time by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1995. This year around 800 networking leaders and activists in business, science, academia, politics, religion and the arts come together in San Francisco from October 27 to November 1," says Jan Oberg who has been asked to contribute to the Forum's Coexistence and Community-Building Initiative. The Forum's mission is 'to establish a global network of leaders and change agents who come together for both discussions and action. It does this in the conviction that it is networks of committed individuals and institutions which are emerging as principal sources of innovation and effectiveness, thereby reframing and invigorating civil society.' Jan Oberg: "The incredible diversity of the State of the World Forum is its major strength. You find grassroots interacting with the gatekeepers of capital and power. I have understood that the Forum is unique in its breadth and scope and its willingness to place the issue of spirituality on a par with economic, scientific, cultural and political discussions. It gives priority to gender parity and the full inclusion of youth. I find its Strategic Initiatives urgent as they include collaborative action on nuclear and conventional weapons, environmental health, child development, coexistence, and micro-enterprise development. The Forum is an innovative tool to promote an increased sense of personal and civic responsibility by exploring new models of connecting people and alternative futures. The fact that the Forum's discussions are broadcast through national and worldwide media including BBC, CNN, and C-Span secures a global reach which is so important. This year, the Forum's foci include themes and issues such as: • The Public Use of Private Interest • Civil Society: Self-Governance and New Citizenship • How Technology is Wiring and Transforming the World • International Understanding Beyond the Politics of Conflict • Philosophy and Faith - Searching for Meaning • Global Initiatives on Investing in Women • Forgiveness and Healing • Ethics in a Global Economy • How to Deal with Weapons of Mass Destruction • Youth and Strategic Social Change • The Fusion of Biotech and Digital Technology and, of course, the 50th Anniversary of the UN Human Rights Declaration. It seems to me that this Forum promises to be pleasantly different from the traditional summits of government leaders only - G7, World Bank/IMF, NATO, EU - you just name them and we are bored when we watch those leaders participate in photo sessions. In contrast, this Forum looks exciting, innovative and directed with vision towards truly global issues, not just those of the West or the most powerful. TFF's participation, I hope, will lead to a long-term, sustainable partnership with many of the other participants and the Forum organization itself. So, it's a great opportunity for us all," concludes Jan Oberg. October 22, 1998
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