The Iraqi Social Forum began on Thursday 26/09 with a day of open air sports activities and an opening ceremony at the Baghdad University.
More than 300 persons attended the concerts, sports events, opening speeches.
It was a very successful day, full of joy and energy. A 5km and 10km race for Sports Against Violence attracted numerous participants, martial arts group made demonstrations (they run a program to teach women self-defence), the international delegation was warmly welcomed, and the Iraqi Social Forum was officially opened.
Friday 27/09, more than 3000 persons registered for the day’s activities!
This extraordinary turn out exceeded even the most optimistic previsions of the Iraqi organisers. Activities were spread between the Baghdad Cultural House and Quhshla (an Ottoman palace), both located on Mutanabi Street in downtown Baghdad. A very large number of young people came to participate in the cultural events, working groups and musical activities.
Some very strong sessions took place. The workshop about Freedom of expression was noteworthy: Iraqi activists and journalists spoke very openly and critically of the government, without fear.
The workshop about the Tigris river campaign (to save the river from the Ilisu dam in Turkey) was also an important step forward for Iraqi civil society, and even representatives from the Iraqi government attended the panel in the public.
Among the public of the forum were also the governor of Baghdad and numerous members of Parliament, and about 20 internationals from Italy to Bangladesh.
Today Saturday the forum continues. Follow it on internet livestreaming here: http://iraqsf.org/
The full program is here: http://www.iraqicivilsociety.org/?attachment_id=2320