The Philippines, will host the event at Miriam College through the support of the International Committee (IC), the Philippine Working Group (PWG), and Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA). As the fifth WSFM, and the only WSFM to be hosted in Asia, it is sure to be a historic event.

The WSFM serves as a forum for over 3,000 representatives from social movements, civil society organizations, and advocates to discuss challenges and possibilities related to migration. True to the World Social Forum’s motto “Another World is Possible”, the WSFM also explores a new world order and the building of societies and communities characterized by mutually beneficial relationships among the people and with the environment. A number of notable advocates, politicians and global leaders will also be in attendance. For example, thinker and parliamentarian Walden Bello, activist and Director of Focus on the Global South Pablo Solon, and Chair of the UN Committee of Migrant Workers Mr. Abdelhamid El Jamri will all be making appearances throughout the WSFM.

The overarching theme of the 5th WSFM plenaries is Mobility, Rights, Global Models: Looking for alternatives. Through the use of lively question and answer periods, our resource persons will be challenged by the moderators and audience members to answer tough questions on the following four sub-thematic areas:

• Sub-thematic area 1: Crisis, Critique, and Consequences of Global Migration
• Sub-thematic area 2: Migrant Rights are Human Rights
• Sub-thematic area 3: Re-imagining Migration, Proposing Alternatives, Exploring Models
• Sub-thematic area 4: Resistance, Organization, Action

These plenary sessions are complimented by the field visits to Bulacan, Batangas, Manila, and Pampanga. Each of these locations will allow our international audience to explore the various dimensions of migration in the Philippine context.

Other events include an opening parade, food booths, workshops, poster sessions, cultural events, mobilization with local organizations on Andres Bonifacio Day, and a Public Concert. Each of these events will truly demonstrate the collaborative efforts of the international community in the struggle to recognize migration as a significant world phenomenon that affects us all.

Considering the critical importance of migration to the Philippines and the world, we encourage everyone to attend as it is sure to be a truly historic event full of interactive discussions, lively debates, exhibition of diverse arts and cultures and peoples’ solidarity which celebrate the fact that another world is possible.

For more information about the 5th WSFM, please read the attached brochure, visit our website www.wsfm2012.org, or email us at mfa@wsfm2012.org. We look forward to seeing you all there!