The 7th World Social Forum ended its third day of activities on January 23 in the stadium of Kasarani, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, where almost 50,000 participants were gathered. The space vibrated with festive presentations – both African and international – that circled the stadium to the rhythm of music, dances and chants.

It is still early to be able to make an assessment, but the exchange of impressions makes it possible to outline the aspects of the Forum that stood out most. Among the major successes of the seventh reunion was the African presence, in numbers much greater than in previous forums. Also prominent was the clear expectation of the attending African organizations of being able to share the struggles of the continent, while simultaneously fortifying bonds and learning about issues of other continents. So much so that people's organizations of the host country insisted on entering the Forum, even though they could not pay, which serves as evidence that the WSF has managed to generate hopes and expectations.

Even so, many participants are sorry that the presence of Kenyan organizations was lower than they had hoped. For Geraldo Fontes of the Landless Rural Workers’ Movement of Brazil, the entrance cost was not the only factor. He indicates that a better job of mobilization and prior preparation with the country’s organizations would have been necessary for a higher turnout.

One of the striking features of the Forum is the surprisingly strong presence of African churches (catholic and protestant), that have mobilized large delegations (especially of young people – these are the groups that predominate at the youth camp), many of them with their own agenda of themes and activities, although with little participation and exchange in other spaces.

At certain times, the encounters occurred in more confrontational terms, even between Africans; such as certain homophobic or anti-abortion expressions, outside events on sexual rights. For Phumi Mtetwa, of LGBT South-South Dialogue, this is not necessarily negative, as it drives debate and reflection on the respective interpretations of one’s own culture.

In fact, in numerous events, it was apparent that the anticipated exchange with Africa did not take place; with certain exceptions, such as the meeting spaces of world movements like the international farmer's movement Via Campesina, or the World March of Women, which have mobilized their member organizations, mainly from Africa, and with agendas centered around the African reality.

"It could be that the Forum format is a very westernized idea – in the European/Latin American sense – that does not fit with African political and social culture," recognized Gonzalo Berrón of the Hemispheric Social Alliance. However, Berrón welcomes the fact that the Forum is allowing Southern alliances to strengthen over concrete themes like the struggle against free trade and the World Trade Organization, transnational companies and militarization.

The pavilion of the Americas Social Forum has been another meeting space that has motivated positive exchanges, many of them occurring spontaneously between those who visit it. Special interest is recognized from the other Southern continents to learn more about the process of political change and perspectives in the region.

As with former large forums, frustrations have been generated by programming errors, cancelled events or unannounced changes, as well as the difficult conditions due to surrounding noise. On the whole, these things are patiently accepted, as a consequence of the precarious economic conditions in which the Forum is carried out. However, what has generated most protests is the high cost of entrance fees and meals, which are inaccessible for the poor people of Kenya. The entrance price of 500 shillings for Kenyans – more than $7 USD, the equivalent of a weekly minimum wage – has led to daily protests and even people from the poor districts of the city entering in mass without paying, counting on the sympathy of the other participants. The same occurs with meals, which at 300 shillings are beyond the reach of many. Added to these criticisms is the outsourcing of most of the services with commercial companies, without considering fair trade; and imposing a rental tariff beyond the reach of the smaller-scale vendors.

Many people consider that such policies, adopted by the local organizing committee (despite internal disagreement) point to the need for defining clearer criteria for the running of the forums. These should be consistent with principles identified with the WSF process, such as people's participation, ecological management and a solidarity economy, without, of course, generating an unbearable financial load for the organizers.